₦airaland Forum

The Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF), a coalition of youth groups across the 19 Northern states, has reaffirmed its support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, while commending the massive turnout at the presidential campaign rally in Kaduna.

The coalition also praised Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, for his leadership and grassroots mobilisation, which it said contributed to the success of the rally.

In a statement issued by the Coordinator of Northwest Northern Youth Frontiers, Saminu Turaki, the group described the turnout as evidence of continued support for Tinubu’s leadership and vision in Northern Nigeria.

Turaki congratulated the President on the rally’s success and commended traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of the region for their participation.

He said: “The spectacular outing in Kaduna is a clear testament to the unalloyed love, confidence, and overwhelming support that the people of Northern Nigeria continue to repose in the leadership and vision of President Tinubu.

“We warmly commend the traditional rulers, community leaders, and the resilient people of the region who came out in their hundreds of thousands to demonstrate their solidarity.

“Special appreciation and kudos must be given to the Game Changer and Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari. Through his pragmatic leadership, strategic vision, and tireless grassroots mobilization, Senator Yari has once again proven to be a master strategist and a true champion of political unity and organization.

“His extraordinary stewardship has energized the youth demographic across the North and set a high benchmark for campaign excellence.”

He said Yari’s strategic leadership, organisational skills and grassroots mobilisation had energised young people across the North and set a high standard for political campaigns.

He also called on political stakeholders to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly to safeguard national unity and stability.

Turaki said: “As the political atmosphere gathers momentum, the Northern Youth Frontiers strongly calls on all opposition parties and political actors to desist from any actions, utterances, or campaigns of calumny capable of overheating the polity.

“Elections should be a contest of ideas, developmental plans, and track records, not an avenue to sow seeds of discord, ethnicity, or religious division. We urge all stakeholders to embrace peace and decorum throughout this campaign season.

“Furthermore, the Northern Youth Frontiers unequivocally reiterates its firm resolve to secure a deserving second term for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This endorsement is rooted solidly in his remarkable performance, patriotic dedication to nation-building, and economic reform agenda, as well as in the interest of fairness, justice, and national stability.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated courageous leadership in steering the nation toward sustainable growth, and the North stands ready to ensure the continuation of these transformational policies for another term.”

The Federal Character Commission (FCC), on Thursday, called on the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to immediately suspend its ongoing recruitment training over allegations that more than 500 candidates whose names appeared on the published final list were excluded from the exercise.

The commission also demanded complete recruitment records from the NCS, including examination results, screening documents, final selection lists and training invitations, to establish whether the exercise complied with constitutional provisions on federal character and equitable representation.

The Chairman of the Commission’s Financial Services Committee, Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah, disclosed this in Abuja during a press conference

He expressed concern over reports that some candidates who reportedly passed the required examinations, completed screening and documentation, and appeared on the published final list were not invited for training, which commenced on October 9, 2026.

He said some of the affected candidates had allegedly resigned from their jobs, trained replacements and incurred substantial expenses in anticipation of their formal engagement with the service.

According to him, the situation has generated anxiety, allegations of manipulation and concerns over public confidence in the recruitment process.

The commission also faulted the NCS for allegedly conducting the exercise without its monitoring and oversight, despite its constitutional mandate to promote and enforce compliance with the Federal Character Principle in appointments and recruitment across federal institutions.

The NCS, in a statement dated October 19, 2026, titled “Nigeria Customs Reviews Recruitment Complaints, Opens Door for Engagement with Aggrieved Applicants,” acknowledged the complaints and announced plans to engage affected applicants.

However, the FCC said the service's explanation was unsatisfactory, alleging that its attempts to engage the Comptroller-General of Customs and obtain relevant recruitment records had been ignored or rebuffed.

The commission said it was particularly concerned that it was not invited to monitor the recruitment exercise, while efforts by its Committee on Financial Services to obtain information necessary for its oversight responsibilities were unsuccessful.

It maintained that the FCC was not an advisory body that federal establishments could engage only at their convenience, stressing that its authority was derived from the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Federal Character Commission Establishment Act.

According to Bawa-Allah, Paragraph 8 of Part I of the Third Schedule to the Constitution empowers the commission to formulate equitable formulas for distributing public service positions and to promote, monitor and enforce proportional representation.

He added that the commission's enabling law empowers it to demand employment returns, investigate recruitment exercises and enforce compliance with its guidelines.

Bawa-Allah explained that federal institutions were required to invite the commission to monitor recruitment exercises, adding that successful candidates must be reconciled with the approved distribution formula across the states and the Federal Capital Territory before a Certificate of Compliance is issued.

He said the safeguards were designed to promote merit, fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for qualified Nigerians, irrespective of state of origin, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or social connections.

He said: “These questions concern constitutional compliance, administrative justice, institutional accountability and protection against arbitrary acts. The Nigeria Customs Service published final recruitment lists for the Superintendent,
Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres between 28 and 30 July 2026.

“That publication created a legitimate expectation that candidates who met the final disclosed conditions would be treated transparently and notified, with reasons, of any subsequent disqualification.

“Reports that more than 500 candidates may have been excluded while allegedly
unlisted persons received training invitations raise serious questions. Some media have reported that the affected candidates formed a group of approximately 500 people who had successfully completed the required stages without receiving invitations for training which begun on 9 October 2026.

“The publication also stated that its attempts to obtain a response from the Nigeria Customs Service were unsuccessful. For clarity, the Commission is not asking that unqualified candidates be recruited. Federal Character does not replace merit.

“It requires suitably qualified candidates from all parts of Nigeria to receive equitable opportunities through transparent, verifiable and nationally inclusive procedures.”

It consequently demanded explanations from the Customs Service on the criteria used to move candidates from the published final list to the training list, the state-by-state and local government distribution of those invited, and whether a valid Certificate of Compliance was obtained before training invitations were issued.

The commission also asked the service to explain why candidates who reportedly passed the examinations and completed the required processes were subsequently excluded without formal explanations.

The FCC specifically demanded that the Nigeria Customs Service: “Immediately suspend the ongoing training exercise. Provide complete recruitment records, including applications, examination results, screening documents, final selections and training invitations, with state-of-origin and local government details.

“Explain the legal and administrative basis for proceeding with the recruitment exercise without the commission's monitoring and oversight. Produce evidence of any Certificate of Compliance obtained before the release of training invitations.

“Reconcile the published final recruitment list with the list of candidates invited for training. Provide every omitted candidate with a clear written explanation of their status. Cooperate fully with the commission's Committee on Financial Services and any investigation lawfully instituted by the commission.

“Correct any verified irregularities and ensure that no deserving candidate is displaced through undue influence, unjust substitution, favouritism or administrative manipulation.”

He called on the Customs Service to provide full transparency and maintained that the explanation contained in its October 19 statement was not tenable.

Bawa-Allah stressed that the commission was not demanding the recruitment of unqualified candidates but insisting that suitably qualified applicants from all parts of the country should receive equitable consideration through transparent and verifiable procedures.

He said the commission would invoke its investigative, compliance and enforcement mechanisms under the Constitution, its enabling Act and applicable recruitment guidelines to address any established violations.

The commission also urged affected candidates to remain peaceful and submit their appointment records, details of the published recruitment lists, correspondence, screening documents and other relevant evidence through the appropriate channels.

It assured the applicants that their complaints would be examined on their merits and warned against any attempt to intimidate or victimise those seeking administrative justice.

The FCC said the Federal Character Principle was intended to strengthen national unity by ensuring that federal employment opportunities were distributed equitably rather than reserved for privileged families, influential individuals or favoured sections of the country.

He added, “No public institution is above the Constitution. No Chief Executive may exclude lawful oversight. No qualified Nigerian should lose a legitimate opportunity for lack of political influence or powerful connections.”

The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has dismissed reports that the Emir of Katsina publicly rebuked the Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, during a recent visit to the monarch's palace.

The organisation described the report as unverified and misleading, insisting that the visit was part of consultations with traditional rulers to seek their prayers, blessings and counsel ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Deputy National Chairman of DWI, Hon. Musa Adam, said an article by Comrade Ibrahim Muhammad Sani, which claimed that the emir delivered “four bitter truths” to Yari and his delegation, presented unsubstantiated allegations as facts.

Adam said Yari led a delegation of political leaders on visits to the palaces of the Emirs of Gwandu, Katsina, Daura and Zaria, where the traditional rulers received them and offered prayers for peace, unity and the success of Nigeria's democratic process.

He said: “Senator Yari told the emirs that he came to seek their prayers, blessings and counsel. This was a respectful consultation with a revered traditional institution, as is customary in Nigerian public life.

“However, the article relies on an unnamed "someone inside palace" to fabricate, polish and deodorize lies to spew deceits and propaganda to score political points. It offers no recording; no named witness and no credible news outlet has reported the remarks.

“Palace visits of this kind are attended by many people and covered by the press. Comments of such nature attributed to the respected monarch should not be accepted without evidence.

“Similarly, the claim that the APC is "fighting" in Katsina is contradicted by the delegation itself. The delegation included both former Katsina governors, Aminu Bello Masari and Ibrahim Shema. Governor Dikko Radda also led the Director General to the Emir of Daura, seeking the emirate's support for President Tinubu's re-election. These are not the actions of a divided team.

“Further, the claim that the government has "done nothing" on insecurity is false. The Federal Government is working with the Katsina State Government on banditry. President Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Katsina, to be trained and equipped to work alongside the military, police, DSS and local vigilantes, particularly in forested and remote areas used as hideouts by criminal gangs.

“Governor Radda also commended the Federal Government for increasing the deployment of military personnel, police officers and DSS operatives to the state. The government recognises that more must be done. Insecurity is a shared national challenge that must be addressed collectively.”

The DWI deputy national chairman described claims in the disputed article as selective and misleading.

He cited National Bureau of Statistics data indicating that headline inflation eased to 14.63 per cent in September from 15.39 per cent in August.


He added, “Recently, the government announced a 30-day petrol discount at NNPC retail stations, with commercial transport operators given priority. The claim that politics is "selfish" misreads the purpose of the visit.

“The council's consultations with traditional leaders aim to build consensus and gather counsel ahead of the campaign season. They do not replace governance, and they do not claim to. Governance and campaigning can and do happen together.”

The organisation urged the media and the public to exercise caution when reporting claims attributed to traditional rulers, particularly where the allegations relied on anonymous sources and lacked verifiable evidence.

He challenge the writer to provide evidence-based and verifiable proof of the claims or he should simply retract such claims otherwise.

The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, citing reports attributed to Bloomberg Economics and the World Bank as evidence of improvements in Nigeria’s investment climate, economic growth and fiscal performance.

The organisation also called on state governments to channel increased revenue allocations into infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and job creation to ensure that the benefits of economic reforms reach Nigerians at the grassroots.

In a statement by the Director of Strategic Communication of DWI, Dr Tunji Bamidele, while reacting to the reports, which he said indicated progress under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to Bamidele, the reports highlight improvements in Nigeria’s investment outlook, economic growth, foreign reserves and revenue generation, while projecting a gradual decline in poverty.

He said: “Investment Confidence Restored: According to the 2026 Bloomberg Economics Investment Risk-O-Meter, Nigeria jumped four places to 8th position in Africa—surpassing Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Namibia—due to significant structural improvements in fiscal policy, foreign exchange management, and the power sector.

“Poverty Stabilized and Easing: The World Bank’s October 2026 Nigeria Development Update reveals that Nigeria’s poverty rate has stabilized for the first time since 2019, with poverty projected to steadily decline as economic growth outpaces population growth.

“Strong Economic Growth: The national economy expanded by 4.2% in H1 2026 (up from 3.9% in H1 2025), with medium-term projections averaging 4.4% between 2026 and 2028.

“Declining Inflation & Rising Reserves: Inflation saw a dramatic drop from 27.6% in early 2025 down to 15.2% by December 2025, with expectations to ease to 12% by 2028. Meanwhile, Gross External Reserves surged to $53.8 billion as of August 2026, up from $45.5 billion at year-end 2025, backing a robust current account surplus of $12.0 billion (7.0% of GDP).

“Grassroots Empowerment & State Development: Federation revenues grew by 69% in real terms between 2023 and 2025, directly empowering state governments. Consequently, states increased capital spending by 151% in real terms, channeling critical funds into road infrastructure, agriculture, energy, housing, and social services that directly benefit everyday citizens.

“For years, difficult economic structural defects held our country back. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took the tough, bold decisions—removing the fuel subsidy, unifying the foreign exchange market, and restoring fiscal discipline—not for short-term political gain, but for the long-term prosperity of every Nigerian.

"Today, the results are clear. From rural communities where state-level infrastructure and social spending have surged, to national figures showing falling debt-to-GDP ratios and rising foreign reserves, the dividends of reform are reaching our people.

“The Democracy Watch Initiative stands firmly with President Tinubu as his administration transitions into the Renewed Hope Agenda 2.0, which promises expanded targeted cash transfers (already serving over 10 million households), cheaper transport via Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), boosted agricultural productivity, and affordable healthcare."

The DWI urged state governments to ensure that increased federation allocations translated into measurable improvements in the living conditions of their residents.

The organisation also commended the Federal Government’s economic management team, state governors and Nigerians for their cooperation during the reform process.

He added, “We commend the Economic Management Team, state governors, and the resilient citizens of Nigeria for their patience and cooperation. The Democracy Watch Initiative re-dedicates itself to mobilizing, educating, and supporting citizens across all 774 local government areas as the administration builds an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. The tough phase is yielding progress, and the best is yet to come.”

The faction leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the leadership of its National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, has denied being involved in any alliance, merger or coalition with the G100 Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also accused some elements within the G100 Coalition and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of allegedly attempting to pressure its leadership into a forced alliance, insisting that it would contest the 2027 elections independently.

Gombe, in a statement, said the ADC remained committed to its political ideology, organisational structure and nationwide presence, stressing that the party would not allow itself to be drawn into any arrangement that could undermine its interests.

The ADC chairman also warned Atiku against allegedly presenting himself as the party’s presidential candidate or speaking on its behalf.

He said: “The leadership of the ADC is fully cognizant of the sustained pressure, political manipulation, and backchannel negotiations being orchestrated by certain elements within the so-called G100 Coalition and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in a deliberate attempt to railroad the ADC into a forced merger or alliance.

“For the avoidance of doubt, let it be placed on record; The African Democratic Congress is NOT, and will NOT be, in any alliance, merger, or coalition with any political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The ADC is an independent, principle driven, and self-reliant political party. We will contest and win elections at all levels on the strength of our ideology, our national structure, and the mandate of the Nigerian people.

“We hereby serve a firm notice to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to desist forthwith from parading himself as, or speaking on behalf of the ADC as its presidential candidate. Any further attempt to drag the name of our great party into his personal political vendetta or into actions that bring Nigeria into international ridicule will be met with appropriate legal and political consequences.

“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, having been serially rejected six times by the Nigerian electorate, is a perennial contestant who has consistently failed to secure electoral victory in the previous elections. He is unelectable in the current Nigerian political climate and will therefore not represent the ADC in the forthcoming general elections.

“As patriotic Nigerians and custodians of this party, we will not sit idly by and watch opportunists like Atiku Abubakar hijack our platform to peddle falsehoods, incite chaos, and destabilize our democracy in pursuit of personal ambition.”

He described the party as independent and self-reliant, adding that its leadership would not be coerced into an alliance that contradicted the interests of its members.

Gombe, said the ADC remained open to Nigerians committed to its ideology and political objectives, while urging members and the general public to disregard publications linking the party to Atiku or the G100 Coalition.

The chairman reiterated that the party was prepared to participate in the 2027 general elections without compromising its stated position on political alliances.

He added, “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) remains focused, united, and resolute in its mission to rescue Nigeria and provide credible leadership in 2027. We reiterate that our party will not be coerced, manipulated, or railroaded into any unholy alliance that negates the interest of our legacy members and the Nigerian people.

“Our doors remain open to genuine patriots who believe in our ideology, but not to serial losers seeking a platform of convenience. We call on all our members across the country, as well as the general public, to disregard any publication or insinuation linking the ADC to Atiku Abubakar or the so-called G100 Coalition.

“The ADC is prepared, positioned, and determined to contest and win the 2027 general elections without compromise.”

The Islamic Family Foundation (IFF), on Thursday, intensified its humanitarian and community development initiatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), providing medical outreach, feeding programmes and family-centred Islamic education.

The foundation said its activities were aimed at translating Islamic teachings into practical acts of compassion, strengthening family values and improving the welfare of vulnerable members of society.

In a statement, the Lead Imam of the foundation, Engr. Musa Daud, said the organisation remained committed to supporting underserved communities through healthcare services, food assistance, spiritual guidance and long-term investments in education and social welfare.

According to him, the foundation's medical outreach programmes have brought essential healthcare services closer to communities across the FCT, particularly areas where access to medical facilities remains limited, while constructing a multi-billion-naira International Halal Centre in Wasa District, Abuja.

The outreach includes free medical consultations, basic treatments, health education and wellness support, delivered with an emphasis on dignity and professionalism.

Daud said: “In the heart of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, the Islamic Family Foundation (IFF) is writing a quiet but powerful story of service, faith and community transformation through medical outreach, regular feeding of people in need, and weekly family-centred Usrah gatherings, while constructing a major multi-purpose facility in Wasa District.

“Healing bodies and strengthening communities
The foundation’s medical outreach programmes have brought essential healthcare closer to underserved communities across the FCT. Free consultations, basic treatments, health education and wellness support form the core of these efforts.

“In areas where access to clinics remains limited, the IFF medical team has stepped in to meet immediate needs. Services are delivered with dignity and professionalism, and the programmes continue to expand with the valued support of partners such as the PAYIMO Charity Foundation.

“Feeding people in need as an act of faith. In line with the Prophetic teaching that “a person is not a true believer when he goes to bed with a full stomach while his neighbour goes to bed feeling hungry,” the Islamic Family Foundation runs regular feeding programmes for people in need.

“Food support is provided with care and respect throughout the year and intensifies during seasonal pressures and festivities.
Usrah for families, young adults and children. On Sundays, the foundation hosts an Usrah session that brings families together to discuss faith, personal development and community concerns.

“These gatherings serve as spiritual and social anchors where parents and children study Islamic teachings, strengthen family bonds and nurture faith-based values.”

The organisation also appealed to Muslims to demonstrate greater patience, understanding and compassion in their relationships with one another, particularly during difficult times.

He urged members of the Muslim Ummah to exercise restraint in their speech, support vulnerable people and remain steadfast in the face of hardship.

He added, “Islamic Family Foundation’s long-term goal is to complete its International Halal Centre in Wasa District, Abuja. The planned complex will include a mosque, a school and facilities to promote social enterprise, economic development and community welfare.

“When completed, the centre will serve as a hub for spiritual development, education, mentoring, family support and community welfare. The multi-billion-naira project will provide education in Islamic studies, IT and skills training, family counselling, welfare, agriculture and food projects, while embracing green and sustainable energy.

“Islamic Family Foundation respectfully calls on well-meaning individuals within Nigeria and across the international community, community organisations, well-wishers and partners of goodwill to lend their support.

“We are soliciting financial support, wills and legacies, partnerships, regular contributions, building resources, equipment, materials, IT support and other resources to accelerate our building project. We also welcome contributions of time and expertise.

“Through its blend of immediate humanitarian service and long-term institutional building, the Islamic Family Foundation stands as a living example of faith translated into action.

“As it continues to heal the sick, feed the hungry, strengthen families through weekly Usrah, and raise a lasting centre of learning and worship in Wasa, the organisation invites all people of goodwill to join hands in this noble endeavour. For partnerships, media enquiries or support for the Wasa facility project. Email: Iff_abuja@yahoo.com.”

The Federal Government, has launched a nationwide grassroots mobilisation campaign to tackle voter apathy, vote buying, electoral violence and the spread of fake news ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, alongside the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, announced the initiative in Abuja during the flag-off of the campaign themed, “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Future: Say No to Apathy, Vote Buying and Violence. Let’s Build a United Nigeria in 2027.”

The campaign, organised by the NOA, is designed to promote informed electoral participation, peaceful conduct and responsible citizenship through sustained engagement with Nigerians at the grassroots.

Speaking at the event, the minister said misinformation and disinformation remained major threats to credible elections, warning that misleading videos and false reports could discourage eligible voters from participating in the electoral process.

He noted that footage from other countries had previously been circulated as though it depicted violence in Nigeria, creating fear and discouraging citizens from going out to vote.

The minister urged the NOA, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the media and other stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment and ensure that Nigerians received accurate and verified information before and during the elections.

He said, “If you ask me, it is actually what we should be looking at because that is what leads to apathy and can also lead to violence.”

According to him, media freedom must be accompanied by responsibility, particularly during elections when the spread of unverified information could undermine public confidence and threaten national stability.

He urged journalists to ensure that information published or broadcast was credible and responsibly presented, while encouraging citizens to verify information before sharing it.

The minister also disclosed that Nigeria had secured the hosting rights for a Media and Information Literacy Institute to be established in Abuja in collaboration with the National Open University of Nigeria.

He said the initiative, which followed three years of efforts, would help improve media literacy, particularly among young Nigerians, and equip citizens with the skills to distinguish between genuine information and fake news.

On electoral reforms, the minister said the Federal Government was committed to strengthening Nigeria's democratic institutions and supporting efforts to ensure credible elections in 2027.

He also expressed confidence that the government would provide the necessary funding for INEC, arguing that investing in credible elections was preferable to spending resources addressing violence arising from electoral disputes.

The minister, however, stressed that laws and institutions alone could not guarantee credible elections without the cooperation of political parties, candidates, electoral officials, the media and citizens.

He urged Nigerians to reject vote buying and electoral violence, noting that the consequences of such practices extended beyond election day and could damage relationships within communities.

He added that President Bola Tinubu was committed to ensuring transparent and credible elections that Nigerians could trust in 2027.

In his address, NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the agency would deploy its state directorates across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers across the 774 local government areas, to take voter education directly to communities.

He said the campaign would extend beyond the flag-off ceremony to markets, neighbourhoods, community meeting places and other locations where Nigerians gather and exchange information.

According to him, the agency will engage market associations, artisans, transport workers, youth organisations, women's groups and other community networks through dialogue, public education and targeted communication.

He explained that the campaign would use local languages, radio discussions, drama, short audio messages and accessible public education materials to ensure that its messages reached diverse audiences.

Issa-Onilu said the initiative was designed to address concerns discouraging some Nigerians from participating in elections, including information gaps, fear of intimidation and declining confidence in the electoral process.

He noted that voter apathy reduced the breadth of public participation, while vote buying compromised citizens' freedom of choice and electoral violence threatened lives and community relationships.

He said: “For the National Orientation Agency, our responsibility is to help citizens understand the process, recognise their role and obtain reliable information. We must make civic participation understandable and relevant to everyday life.

“Voter apathy weakens the breadth of public participation and leaves important decisions to fewer people. Vote buying undermines freedom of choice by exploiting vulnerability. Electoral violence threatens lives, silences citizens and damages relationships that communities will need long after the ballots have been counted.

“No political ambition should cost a Nigerian life. No disagreement should destroy the bonds between neighbours. No temporary inducement should determine a citizen’s choice about our collective future.”

The NOA chief explained that the agency would also use its digital platforms to disseminate reliable electoral information and encourage Nigerians to verify messages before sharing them.

He said its grassroots officers would gather feedback from communities, identify recurring misconceptions and refer issues requiring clarification to INEC and relevant security agencies.

Issa-Onilu emphasised that the campaign would remain strictly non-partisan, adding that the agency's personnel, platforms and messages must demonstrate fairness to Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or social standing.

He called for sustained collaboration with INEC, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, development partners and the media to ensure the campaign achieved its objectives.

The NOA director-general also urged political parties and candidates to promote issue-based campaigns, discourage vote buying and make peaceful conduct a clear expectation among their supporters.

He said the agency would pay particular attention to young people, women and persons with disabilities to ensure that their concerns and information needs were reflected in the mobilisation exercise.

The minister and the NOA director-general called on stakeholders to promote peaceful participation, discourage inflammatory rhetoric and ensure that political differences did not degenerate into hostility.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen public awareness of voting procedures, citizens' electoral rights and responsibilities, and the importance of obtaining official information from the appropriate authorities.

The organisers said the campaign would complement INEC's statutory responsibilities by helping verified electoral information reach communities in clear, accessible and consistent formats.

They stressed that the success of the mobilisation would ultimately depend on the ability of stakeholders to translate public enlightenment into informed participation, respect for electoral rules and peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process.

The campaign is expected to continue across the country ahead of the 2027 general election, with the NOA seeking to encourage eligible voters to participate without intimidation, reject electoral malpractice and respect the choices of fellow citizens.

The NOA’s grassroots mobilisation campaign is expected to use community engagement, local languages, radio programmes, drama and digital platforms to deepen public awareness of electoral responsibilities.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, represented by Mrs Abdulwahab Olayinka, reaffirmed the scheme's commitment to supporting voter education and peaceful electoral participation ahead of the 2027 general election.

Nafiu emphasised the importance of youth involvement in strengthening Nigeria's democracy and encouraged efforts to educate citizens on their electoral responsibilities.

He reaffirmed the NYSC's support for initiatives aimed at promoting responsible citizenship and encouraging Nigerians to participate peacefully in the democratic process.

The scheme's participation in the mobilisation campaign underscores the role of youth engagement in promoting civic awareness, democratic participation and peaceful elections.

Global Integrity Watch (GIW), an international civil society organisation, has commended the anti-corruption efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), while seeking a constructive partnership with the commission to strengthen public accountability.

The organisation also expressed confidence in EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and pledged support for lawful initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, protecting public resources and strengthening accountability across public institutions.

GIW made the position known during its Integrity March to the EFCC, where it recognised the commission’s reported achievements in convictions and asset recoveries under Olukoyede’s leadership.

Address the youths during the march, GIW Country Representative, Comrade Eneji Mohammed, on behalf of the Executive Director, Comrade Abraham Temitayo Adewoye, said that the commission’s reported progress should be sustained through professionalism, transparency, fairness and respect for the rule of law.

According to the organisation, the EFCC reported securing 7,503 convictions and recovering approximately ₦566.32 billion, alongside foreign currencies and 1,502 non-monetary assets, between October 2023 and September 2025.

GIW also cited a stewardship briefing published by the EFCC chairman’s office in August 2026, which reportedly put the commission’s convictions at 10,872 between October 2023 and July 2026.

The briefing also reported recoveries of approximately ₦1.234 trillion and $684.48 million between October 2023 and June 2026.

The organisation, however, stressed that public recognition of the commission’s achievements should go hand in hand with continued scrutiny, accountability and respect for the rights of individuals.

Mohammed said: “GIW recognises the anti-corruption efforts reported under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the EFCC leadership. Public recognition should go hand in hand with continued scrutiny, accountability and respect for the rights of all persons.

“Progress is strongest when results are documented, recovered assets are properly accounted for, and investigations and prosecutions follow the law.”

He noted that its interest in collaborating with the EFCC followed discussions at a meeting in London, United Kingdom, on how the organisation could contribute to public accountability in Nigeria.

He said the proposed partnership would be subject to the EFCC’s agreement and respect for the independence of both institutions.

Explaining its approach, he said it promotes accountability through lawful Freedom of Information requests, reviews of published audit reports and official documents, and requests for clarification from public agencies over questioned expenditure, procurement decisions and missing or incomplete records.

He added that unresolved concerns could be pursued through public advocacy, media engagement or referrals to competent authorities, where appropriate.

Mohammed added, “Our work is not a personal attack on any public official or institution. It is a public-interest effort to strengthen governance, improve transparency and support a Nigeria in which public funds are managed responsibly.”

He emphasised that audit observations should be treated as issues requiring clarification rather than proof of wrongdoing.

He also reiterated its support for evidence-based reporting, the presumption of innocence, fair processes and the right of institutions to respond to allegations.

Through its New Nigeria Public Accountability Initiative (NNPAI), GIW said it intended to promote transparency, encourage responsible reporting of suspected wrongdoing and support stronger accountability standards across public institutions.

It clarified that the initiative was not intended to replace law enforcement agencies or prejudge allegations but to complement existing accountability mechanisms through civic engagement, public education, documentary evidence and constructive dialogue.

GIW further encouraged whistleblowers and citizens with credible information about suspected corruption to preserve relevant records and report their concerns through appropriate lawful channels.

The organisation urged public institutions to maintain reliable financial records, comply with disclosure requirements, respond to lawful Freedom of Information requests and explain corrective measures taken when irregularities were identified.

Responding, the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, represented by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, commended GIW for publicly recognising the agency’s efforts to tackle corruption in Nigeria.

Oyewale urged stakeholders across the country to emulate the organisation by acknowledging the commission’s work while supporting collective efforts to address corruption.

He said Olukoyede had been making sustained efforts to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria through the enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

According to him, the commission would continue its efforts to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the gains of the anti-corruption campaign.

Oyewale said: “We want stakeholders across the country to come forward in the same way to appreciate what the commission is doing.

“The Executive Chairman, Mr Olukoyede, is a Nigerian who has been making passionate efforts to engineer a newer, better, stronger and richer Nigeria by applying the instrumentality of anti-corruption laws.

“Every single thing that has been said here will be communicated to the Executive Chairman. I can assure you that, by the grace of God, the commission will continue on this winning streak to ensure that we all benefit from the dividends of the fight against corruption.”

Oyewale also cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and the Credit Corporation of Nigeria as examples of initiatives he said reflected the government's efforts to strengthen institutions and address corruption-related challenges.

He called on citizens and stakeholders to join hands with the commission in tackling corruption, which he described as a major obstacle to national development.

He added, “We want stakeholders across the country to come forward in the same way to appreciate what the commission is doing. This is another reason why all of us should join hands to tackle the monster and cancer of corruption together.”

Oyewale assured GIW that its message would be conveyed to the EFCC chairman and the commission’s management and staff.

GIW reaffirmed its commitment to supporting lawful anti-corruption efforts, stressing that sustained progress required institutional independence, transparency, evidence-based accountability and equal application of the law.

The organisation maintained that protecting public resources and ensuring accountability remained a collective responsibility, adding that public funds belonged to Nigerians and must be managed in the public interest.

The Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative (GMI), has projected that divisions among opposition parties and regional vote splits could give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an advantage in the 2027 presidential election.

The group, which supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, said the opposition’s inability to build a united national coalition could affect its chances of mounting an effective challenge to the incumbent.

GMI’s National Coordinator, Samaila Musa, in a statement, said that this in a political assessment of the emerging electoral landscape, arguing that Tinubu’s political alliances across the country could give the ruling party an advantage in the contest.

The group’s analysis focused on the South-West, South-East, North-West, North-East and North-Central regions, highlighting potential competition among opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, as well as former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Musa said: “Following a nationwide evaluation of political dynamics across all six geopolitical zones, GMI highlights that political realities on the ground coupled with a divided opposition make an opposition victory mathematically impossible.

“Political reality shows that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stands no chance of winning a single state in the Southern region. The South East, which previously served as a major voting bloc for Atiku, is now firmly under the influence of Peter Obi and South East Governors, who predominantly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second-term bid, completely wiping out former opposition strongholds in the zone. Meanwhile, the entire South West remains locked down for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“North-West Vote Split: In the North West, Rabiu Kwankwaso is set to capture substantial votes in Kano and Jigawa, as well as a reasonable outing in Katsina. Rather than forming a united front, these votes will be siphoned directly from Atiku's traditional base, severely diluting the opposition's voting power.

“North-East Battleground: The North East will be another key battleground featuring a split vote between sitting Vice President Kashim Shettima, the region's Governors (almost all of whom belong to the ruling party), and Atiku Abubakar.

“Vote splits in the North Central regions will definitely prevent the opposition from emerging as the winner of the election.

“History has proven that Northern votes alone cannot produce a President. Former President Muhammadu Buhari attempted this strategy multiple times without success; it was only after forging a solid alliance with Bola Ahmed Tinubu and securing Southern support that he won in 2015. Without Southern states, any presidential bid remains dead on arrival.”

The GMI coordinator also said the group supported the participation of all candidates in the election, including Obi and Kwankwaso, arguing that voters should have the opportunity to assess their respective programmes and records.

Beyond its electoral projections, GMI said it had activated its grassroots structures across the country’s 774 local government areas as part of its mobilisation efforts for Tinubu’s re-election.

Musa said the initiative was expanding its nationwide mobilisation efforts, expressing confidence that the president’s political alliances and policy decisions would strengthen his chances in 2027.

He added, “The political writing on the wall is plain for all to see. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to secure a decisive victory in the coming election, not only because of his courageous economic governance and structural reforms, but because the electoral map heavily favors a truly national leader.

“While the opposition continues to squabble over divided territories—with Atiku losing his grip on the South East and forfeiting key Northern strongholds to Kwankwaso and Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu’s nationwide political coalition remains united, formidable, and expanding.

“We welcome every candidate to stay in the race and let the voters judge everyone on their merits. However, arithmetic and history do not lie: a candidate who cannot win a single state in the South and whose Northern base is fractured cannot govern Nigeria.

“President Tinubu has delivered on reforms, restored economic confidence, and built the broadest national consensus. Victory is mathematically and politically assured."

Jenny-Glo Hospitals, Abuja, is set to strengthen the capacity of medical practitioners in minimally invasive gynaecological procedures with a specialised two-day training programme on hysteroscopy and gynaecological endoscopy.

The training, scheduled for October 22 and 23, 2026, is expected to bring together doctors seeking to acquire or improve their practical skills in hysteroscopy, a procedure that enables clinicians to examine the inside of the uterus using a specialised instrument known as a hysteroscope.

The initiative comes amid growing interest in minimally invasive approaches to the diagnosis and management of a range of gynaecological conditions, with practitioners increasingly requiring specialised technical knowledge to effectively use modern endoscopic equipment.

According to Jenny-Glo Hospitals Training Team, access to a hysteroscope alone does not necessarily translate into competence in performing the procedure, making practical training and exposure an important component of professional development.

The programme will be facilitated by Associate Professor Austin Umezulike, who will lead participants through both the theoretical and practical aspects of hysteroscopy.

The organisers said participants would be introduced to the fundamental principles of hysteroscopy and become familiar with the various instruments and equipment used during hysteroscopic procedures.

A major component of the programme will be hands-on practical sessions designed to give participants an opportunity to translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills.

Participants will also observe live demonstrations of techniques, discuss clinical cases and examine some of the practical challenges that doctors may encounter when incorporating hysteroscopy into their clinical practice.

The organisers said the interactive nature of the programme would also enable participants to learn from experienced faculty while sharing experiences and challenges with fellow practitioners.

The training is particularly targeted at doctors who are new to hysteroscopy, medical practitioners considering the introduction of hysteroscopy services into their practices, as well as practitioners who already have some experience but want to improve their skills and confidence.

Jenny-Glo Hospitals said the programme was designed to provide participants with an opportunity to “learn, practise and build confidence” in hysteroscopy and gynaecological endoscopy.
Hysteroscopy is commonly used in gynaecological practice to allow doctors to directly visualise the uterine cavity and can form part of the evaluation of certain conditions affecting the uterus.

Its minimally invasive nature makes appropriate training particularly important in ensuring that practitioners understand the procedure, equipment and clinical considerations involved.

The organisers encouraged doctors interested in developing their competence in hysteroscopy to take advantage of the practical training opportunity, particularly those seeking greater exposure before introducing or expanding hysteroscopy services in their practices.

A coalition of Northern youth groups under the aegis of the Northern Youth Frontiers (NYF), has reaffirmed its commitment to power rotation, declaring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be allowed to complete his two-term tenure in the interest of national unity and political stability.

The coalition also cautioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against what it described as attempts to undermine the established principle of rotational presidency for personal political ambition.

In a statement signed by the National Chairman of the NYF, Sama Musa, the coalition said consultations were already ongoing with political leaders and other stakeholders across the northern region ahead of the 2031 elections.

Musa said: “Fielding questions from journalists during the press briefing over the weekend in Abuja, the coalition cautioned Alhaji Atiku Abubakar over being disrespectful of the very office he is desperate to occupy.

“The group noted that serious consultations are already ongoing with key leaders of thought across the North ahead of 2031, emphasizing that the region remains a resilient, permanent pillar of the nation with deep political foresight.

“They maintained that the North is in no rush to prematurely interrupt power sharing and fully endorsed waiting until 2031 for the next northern presidential term. We have no problem whatsoever waiting until 2031. Power rotation in Nigeria is structured to rotate between the North and the South, not personal ambitions.”

The coalition sharply criticized the former Vice President for attempting to create division among patriotic Nigerians to serve his personal aspirations, noting that his political timeline does not dictate the strategic interests of Northern Nigeria.

The group accused Atiku of attempting to create divisions among Nigerians in pursuit of his presidential ambition, insisting that the former Vice President's political timeline should not be allowed to determine the broader interests of the northern region.

He added, "Presidency is rotated among regions, not individuals; Atiku does not represent the entirety of the North. The North has existed long before now and will continue to thrive, just as it did after great leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Aminu Kano, Maitama Sule, and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Our region has never been bereft of quality human capital.

“The Northern Youth Frontiers concluded by reiterating that 2031 remains the designated turn for Northern Nigeria as a collective region, cautioning that no individual's personal ambition will be permitted to undermine the unity and political balance of the nation.”

The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State, has rejected what it described as divisive remarks by the Minister of Works and former governor of the state, Engr. David Umahi, concerning the people of Anambra State and former Anambra Governor, Mr. Peter Obi.

The party urged Nigerians, particularly Ndigbo, to resist political rhetoric capable of creating divisions among people with longstanding cultural, economic and social ties.

Reacting in a statement, LP governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Comrade Chief Splendour Oko Eze, and the party’s candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, said the party dissociated itself from remarks that could portray Anambra people as adversaries of Ebonyi.

According to the statement, “We state categorically that Anambra people do not treat Ebonyi people as second-class citizens. The relationship between Ndi Anambra and Ndi Ebonyi is founded on decades of brotherhood, shared culture, commerce, and mutual respect.

“It is on record that prominent Anambrarians, including Chief Arthur Eze, Chief Cletus Ibeto, Chief Innocent Chukwuma (Innoson), and many others, have contributed significantly to the political and economic growth of Ebonyi State and its people, including the rise of several leaders across the state.

“Their goodwill reflects the enduring bond that exists among Ndigbo. His Excellency Engr David Nweze Umahi cannot tell the story of how he became the Governor of Ebonyi State in 2015 without mentioning the prominent role played by Chief Arthur Eze (Ozo Igbo Ndu).

“We urge Ebonyi people not to be swayed by divisive rhetoric. Every citizen has the constitutional right to support and vote for any candidate of his or her choice. No one should seek to portray fellow Igbos as enemies for political advantage.

“While zoning remains a delicate topic, history has names and faces of leaders who have contested against the so-called zoning arrangement in the past. We have names and know them. The issue before us now is governance that addresses the needs of Ndi Ebonyi.

“The governance that lifts our people out of poverty, that provides and empowers our people and not one focused on greedy stakeholders who have become gatekeepers of incompetence and evil politics. Ebonyi's urgent task is to rescue itself from the politics of deceit that Umahi introduced in 2015.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Peter Obi remains our brother, not our enemy. Thousands of Ebonyi indigenes live, work, and prosper in Anambra State. Commercial centres such as Ngbuka Obosi have created opportunities that have transformed the lives of countless Ebonyi families. These realities speak louder than political propaganda.”

The LP, however, acknowledged that questions surrounding the project's conception and motivations were matters for public scrutiny and historical assessment, rather than established facts.

The party called on Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora to reject politics that could pit one South-East state against another.

“We also wish to remind Engr. Umahi that Peter Obi bears no responsibility for the renaming or removal of Abakaliki Street in Anambra State. Any grievance arising from that decision should be directed to the current Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who had the authority over such matters, rather than being weaponised for political attacks against Peter Obi.

“More importantly, Ndigbo are increasingly concerned about governance and performance. As Minister of Works, Engr. Umahi should focus on delivering critical infrastructure rather than promoting political divisions.

“The Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, two major economic corridors in Alaigbo, remain in poor condition despite repeated assurances and public expectations.

“We also regret that the controversial Vanco Flyover project in Abakaliki resulted in the destruction of businesses, displacement of traders, and loss of livelihoods for many citizens. What was presented as a development project has left lasting economic and social consequences for countless families.

“Many affected residents continue to ask whether the project was genuinely conceived to advance development or whether it served as a political vendetta against perceived opponents and economic interests, particularly those associated with our Anambra brothers. While history will render its verdict, the pain, hardship, and economic losses suffered by ordinary citizens remain undeniable.

“At this critical moment, we call on all Igbo sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to reject divisive politics and embrace the values of unity, solidarity, and brotherhood. Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi are one family united by a common heritage and destiny. We must not allow political interests to divide us.”

The JAGABA/INUWA Students’ Mandate 2027, Gombe State Chapter, on Thursday, launched its Campus Ambassadors initiative across tertiary institutions in the state, with a pledge to mobilise students and promote discussions on education, governance and youth development ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group said the initiative would establish a coordinated network of student ambassadors who would engage their colleagues on government policies, education programmes and documented achievements of the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

Speaking at the launch, the Convener, Comrade Kasim Abubakar, said that the initiative would provide a platform for students to participate in discussions about education, governance and the future of young people in Gombe State.

The initiative is also promoting the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, while backing Dr Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Gombe governorship election.

He said the group’s activities would focus on documented developments in the education sector, particularly interventions relating to school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, access to education, examination performance, girl-child education, out-of-school children and tertiary education.

Kasim said: “We are launching a platform that will engage students on the developments taking place in the education sector. Our Campus Ambassadors will take this conversation to campuses across Gombe, engage their fellow students and encourage informed discussions about programmes and interventions affecting their education and future.”

He said the group would focus particularly on school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, access to education, examination performance, girl-child education, out-of-school children and tertiary education.

According to the student group, the federal government's education interventions, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), technical and vocational education and training (TVET), tertiary infrastructure and research funding, informed its support for the administration.

Kasim added, “As of August 2026, over 1.6 million applications have been processed, with more than N322 billion disbursed to students across universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and vocational schools.

“An ambitious plan to train over one million youths across 1,600 centres, with free tuition, monthly stipends, and starter packs in trades such as electrical work, welding, and digital skills.

“The administration successfully reached a comprehensive agreement with ASUU, ending a crisis that had lingered for 16 years and leading to improved salaries, allowances, pensions, research funding, and working conditions for university staff.

“TETFund Infrastructure Projects: Massive infrastructure development across higher institutions nationwide. Billions of naira in grants awarded for research projects in tertiary institutions, covering health, agriculture, clean energy, and defence technology.”

According to the group, education has remained one of the major priorities of the Inuwa Yahaya administration since it assumed office in 2019.

“Governor Inuwa Yahaya declared a state of emergency in the education sector in 2019, making education a major priority of his administration. Construction and Renovation of More Than 1,600 Classrooms: The administration has reported the construction and renovation of more than 1,600 classrooms across about 350 schools in the state.

“The administration recruited more than 1,000 qualified teachers to address manpower shortages, including the recruitment of 1,000 secondary-school teachers announced in 2023.

“The state government reported that the proportion of students obtaining at least five credits, including English and Mathematics, in national examinations increased from 22 per cent in 2019 to 76 per cent in 2024.

“Through the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) programme, the administration reported bringing more than 350,000 out-of-school children into formal education. Five legacy secondary schools were upgraded into modern Mega Colleges as part of efforts to improve the quality of secondary education and provide better learning environments.

“The administration has pursued the integration of traditional Islamic education with formal education through the development of Integrated Almajiri and Tsangaya education centres and other interventions targeting out-of-school children.

“The administration has expanded Gombe State University through the development of new faculties and campuses, including the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and the Faculty of Environmental Sciences. The state has continued to support tertiary institutions while Gombe State University has benefited from TETFund-funded infrastructure and other interventions.

“Girl-Child Education: Gombe State participated in the World Bank-supported Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) programme, including interventions aimed at improving girls’ enrolment, retention and completion.
School Improvement Support: The AGILE programme has also supported school improvement interventions, with the state launching a ₦13.5 billion school improvement grant covering 442 secondary schools.

“The administration has continued to provide scholarship and bursary support to students, including interventions aimed at supporting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Examination Support: The state government has continued to provide funding for WAEC and NECO examination expenses as part of its education interventions.

“The administration reintroduced mandatory mock examinations for secondary-school students as part of efforts to prepare candidates for national examinations and improve academic performance,” he said.

The group said the interventions demonstrate the administration’s emphasis on expanding access to education, improving school infrastructure, strengthening the teaching workforce and supporting students at different levels of education.

The newly inaugurated Campus Ambassadors were charged with the responsibility of grassroots mobilisation, voter education and engaging students on education-related programmes and developments at both federal and state levels.

The group also lauded the emergence of Dr Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Gombe State election.

According to the initiative, Gwamna deserves to be supported since he has publicly stated that his vision is to build on the achievements recorded under the Inuwa Yahaya administration while introducing new ideas to further improve the lives of residents.

The APC candidate said his campaign would focus on issues including job creation, economic growth, youth and women empowerment, agriculture and livestock development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, investment and innovation.

The group said its Campus Ambassadors would convey the polices and programmes of Gwamna to students across the tertiary institutions in the state which it said will benefit them through their education, employment prospects, skills development among others.

It called on all students to work tirelessly to ensure the success of Tinubu and Gwamna in the 2027 electoral process which will help consolidate the tremendous achievements recorded so far.

The JAGABA/DAUDA Students’ Mandate 2027, Zamfara State Chapter, has launched its Campus Ambassadors initiative, pledging to mobilise students across tertiary institutions in the state for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal in the 2027 elections.

The group said its mobilisation campaign would focus on engaging students, organising campus discussions and highlighting education programmes and interventions attributed to the federal and Zamfara State governments.

Speaking at the launch, the Convener, Comrade Bilyaminu Badarawa, described the initiative as a strategic platform for reaching Zamfara’s student population and drawing attention to developments in the education sector.

He emphasised that the mandate is rooted in what the group described as tangible and verifiable achievements in the education sector that have directly impacted Nigerian students and the people of Zamfara State.

Badarawa said: “We are here to launch a movement that will engage students with the developments taking place in the education sector. Our Campus Ambassadors will take this message to campuses across Zamfara, engage their fellow students and ensure that young people are properly informed about the programmes and interventions affecting their education and future.”

The group cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) student-loan scheme as one of the major education initiatives of the Tinubu administration. NELFUND reported in August 2026 that more than 1.6 million student-loan applications had been processed, with over N322 billion disbursed.

It also highlighted investments in technical and vocational education and training, research, infrastructure and institutional support, as well as the federal government's efforts to address disruptions in tertiary education.

He added, “The administration successfully reached a comprehensive agreement with ASUU, ending a crisis that had lingered for 16 years and leading to improved salaries, allowances, pensions, research funding and working conditions for university staff. TETFund Infrastructure Projects: Massive infrastructure development across higher institutions nationwide.

“Research and Innovation Grants: Billions of naira in grants awarded for research projects in tertiary institutions, covering health, agriculture, clean energy and defence technology.

“Institutional Support in Zamfara: Support for Federal University Gusau and the Federal University of Health Sciences, Tsafe. UBEC Smart Model School: Zamfara is among the states covered by the Federal Government’s UBEC Smart Model School programme.

“UBEC Funding for Basic Education: Zamfara is covered by the federal Universal Basic Education intervention framework, through which states can access federal matching-grant funding for basic education, including infrastructure, instructional materials and teacher development.

“ In November 2023, Governor Lawal declared a state of emergency in the education sector, making education one of the administration’s major priorities. Renovation and Reconstruction of More Than 500 Schools: The state government reports that more than 500 public schools have been reconstructed, renovated and equipped across Zamfara.

“The government reported providing more than 12,000 two-seater desks for pupils and students, alongside hundreds of teachers’ tables and chairs. Recruitment of 2,000 Teachers: In January 2025, Governor Lawal approved the recruitment of 2,000 qualified teachers, with initial emphasis on Mathematics, English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, ICT and Entrepreneurship.

“Payment of Outstanding WAEC and NECO Debts: The administration paid outstanding examination debts inherited from previous administrations, including ₦1.4 billion to WAEC and ₦320.7 million to NECO. Release of Previously Withheld Examination Results: Students whose WAEC and NECO results had been withheld because of unpaid fees were able to access their results after the government settled outstanding obligations.

“The state also paid for the 2024 WAEC examination, allowing public-school students to participate. 408,137 Teaching and Learning Materials: In September 2025, the government announced the distribution of 408,137 teaching and learning materials to public schools. UBEC additionally provided 77,609 materials, while UNICEF supplied 5,000 climate-change and education early-warning handbooks.

“School Feeding Programme: The administration launched a school-feeding initiative aimed at improving school enrolment and retention while addressing hunger and malnutrition among pupils. Partnerships with NGOs supported feeding programmes in several LGAs.

“Support for Students Whose University Certificates Were Withheld: In January 2026, the government settled outstanding tuition fees for 50 Zamfara students of Crescent University, Abeokuta, enabling them to receive certificates that had reportedly been withheld for nine years.

“Reform of State-Owned Tertiary Institutions: In January 2025, governing councils and boards were inaugurated for six state-owned tertiary institutions, including Zamfara State University, Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, College of Education Maru, College of Nursing and Midwifery Gusau, College of Health Sciences and Technology Tsafe, and College of Agriculture and Animal Science Bakura.
Education Governance and Quality-Assurance Reforms:

“In July 2026, Governor Lawal signed Executive Orders covering education financing, school protection, quality assurance, school health, security, unified examinations, inclusive education, STEM, TVET and digital education. The national curriculum was also distributed to public schools.

“120-Day Rapid Education Intervention Plan: In April 2026, the State Executive Council approved a 120-day plan covering school mapping, infrastructure assessment, payroll audits, teacher development, digital transformation and student welfare. It also approved work towards a unified Education Sector Bill covering education from ECCDE through tertiary level.

“Improved Institutional Support for Higher Education: In September 2026, official vehicles were distributed to several higher-education institutions and education agencies, including Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State University, Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, College of Nursing and Midwifery, the Teachers Service Board and Quality Assurance bodies.

“Scholarship and Student Support: At the Federal University Gusau convocation in 2024, the governor announced a state scholarship for the university’s overall best graduating student. The state’s 2025 budget-performance report also records a domestic scholarship scheme.

“The newly inaugurated Campus Ambassadors were charged with the responsibility of grassroots mobilisation, voter education and engaging students on education-related programmes and developments at both federal and state levels.

“We cannot afford to return to a past where examination results were withheld, teachers were unpaid and classrooms collapsed. The JAGABA/DAUDA STUDENTS’ MANDATE 2027 is committed to ensuring that the voices of Zamfara students are heard and their interests protected,” the Convener stated.

“The future of Zamfara depends significantly on the quality of education available to its young people. Our responsibility as students and young citizens is to understand what is being done, engage constructively and make our voices heard. The JAGABA/DAUDA Students’ Mandate 2027, is committed to ensuring that the interests and aspirations of Zamfara students remain at the centre of our mobilisation,” he added.

The event concluded with a call for students across Zamfara State to support the Tinubu and Lawal ticket in the 2027 elections, with the newly inaugurated Campus Ambassadors pledging to mobilise students and young people across tertiary institutions in the state.

The 2027 political battle has taken a new turn in Kano as the JAGABA/ABBA students mandate’ 2027 has mobilised students across 25 tertiary institutions in the state, inaugurating campus ambassadors to campaign for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The initiative is designed to establish a structured student network across campuses to engage students, organise discussions and communicate what the group described as the educational achievements of the Tinubu and Abba administrations.

Speaking at the launch, the Convener, Comrade Nafiu Yunusa, described the initiative as a strategic effort to involve Kano’s student population in the campaign for the re-election of the two leaders.

Yunusa said the group’s support was based on what it described as tangible achievements in the education sector under the Federal Government and Kano State Government.

He said: “We are here today to launch a movement driven by results, not rhetoric. The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu and the visionary leadership of Governor Abba have transformed the educational landscape of our state and nation. Our campus ambassadors will take this message of progress to every lecture hall, hostel, and campus in Kano.”

According to the group, the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in education sector remains the driving force for their support, citing:

The group cited the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) student loan scheme as one of the major education initiatives of the Tinubu administration, claiming that more than 1.6 million applications had been processed as of August 2026, with over N322 billion disbursed to students in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and vocational institutions.

He also highlighted investments in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), including plans to train more than one million youths across 1,600 centres, as well as the provision of tuition support, stipends and starter packs.

Other achievements attributed by the group to the Federal Government include an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), infrastructure projects funded through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), research and innovation grants, and institutional upgrades in Kano.

The group specifically cited the conversion of the Federal College of Education, Kano, to Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano, and the proposed upgrade of Federal Polytechnic Kabo to a university of technology.

Yunusa said the group was also backing Governor Abba because of what it described as his administration’s interventions in education.

These, according to the group, include the declaration of a state of emergency in education and the allocation of between 30 and 31 per cent of the state budget to the sector in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Yunusa added, “Free Education and Fee Cuts: Implementation of free education from primary to secondary level, a 50% reduction in tuition fees across all state-owned tertiary institutions, and payment of NECO and NABTEB examination fees for thousands of students.

“Recruitment of over 14,000 permanent teachers, including 6,000 new teachers, 2,000 absorbed BESDA volunteers, 4,315 BESDA teachers added in September 2025, 400 mathematics teachers, and 1,600 school guards.

“Renovation of primary classrooms across all 44 LGAs, construction of new classroom complexes, and the supply of 80,000 sets of three-seater desks — which the group said rescued 240,000 students who were previously sitting on bare floors.

“Reopening of all girls’ boarding schools shut by the previous administration and provision of free buses to convey girls to school in a bid to boost girl-child education.

“Revival of foreign postgraduate scholarships, with over 2,000 students sent abroad for Master’s and PhD programmes. Result: Kano State emerged as Number 1 in Nigeria in the 2025 NECO examinations, a feat commended by the Federal Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

“The newly inaugurated Campus Ambassadors were charged with the responsibility of grassroots mobilisation, voter education, and articulating the achievements of the Tinubu and Abba administrations to the student body.

“The future of our education depends on continuity. We cannot afford to return to a past where education was neglected. The JAGABA/ABBA STUDENTS’ MANDATE 2027 is committed to ensuring that the voices of Kano students are heard and their interests protected.”

Global Integrity Watch (GIW), has raised fresh questions over approximately ₦1.409 billion in quantified audit observations involving the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), demanding access to the commission's 2023, 2024 and 2025 financial records to establish how the issues were addressed.

The civil society organisation also announced the launch of the New Nigeria Public Accountability Initiative (NNPAI), through which it said it would investigate unresolved Auditor-General's findings, financial non-compliance, weak internal controls and failure by public institutions to implement audit recommendations.

Spokesperson of GIW Nigeria, Comrade Tijani Abdulmumin, disclosed this in Abuja during a press briefing on the organisation's latest engagement with NiDCOM following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

The development comes after NiDCOM reportedly responded to GIW's FOI request by relying on Section 12 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to decline access to some additional records.

Abdulmumin said the commission also described its campaign as “blackmail and witch-hunting”, a characterisation the organisation strongly rejected.

He said that the organisation's objective was not to target individuals but to strengthen institutions through evidence-based public accountability.

Abdulmumin said: “Our commitment to fighting corruption and promoting accountability is non-negotiable. We will follow the evidence, allow institutions to respond and ensure that credible public-interest concerns receive the attention they deserve.

“Speaking after GIW's executive meeting in London on 17 August 2026, Executive Director Comrade Abraham Temitayo Adewoye said: GIW emphasises that NNPAI is not about targeting individuals, but about strengthening institutions and protecting the public interest. GIW will distinguish between audit findings, allegations and facts before publishing its findings.”

GIW said its review of available material relating to the Auditor-General's Report on Non-Compliance for the 2023 audit period identified quantified observations amounting to approximately ₦1.409 billion.

The organisation was, however, careful to stress that the figure represents an aggregate of audit-observation amounts and is not being presented as evidence that ₦1.409 billion was stolen or misappropriated.

Among the issues identified, according to GIW were, ₦340.827 million relating to alleged circumvention of procurement procedures, ₦137.524 million involving alleged splitting of contracts and ₦165.292 million in contracts involving questioned tax-clearance documentation.

Others included ₦91.903 million involving contractors whose financial capacity was questioned and ₦356.383 million involving companies with expired prequalification documents.

Abdulmumin also cited ₦6.092 million in reported contractor overpayments for which recovery was recommended; ₦209.085 million in payments for which adequate evidence of execution was reportedly not produced; ₦16.434 million in reported tax under-deductions; and ₦15.6 million identified in the audit material as misapplication of funds.

The organisation further listed ₦48.905 million involving payments allegedly made to officers other than named beneficiaries and ₦20.548 million in cash advances above the approved limit.

He also raised questions over five vehicles recorded in NiDCOM's books but reportedly not sighted during physical verification.

He said the issues required explanations, reconciliation and documentary verification and, where applicable, recovery.

The organisation said its central concern was not to pronounce anyone guilty but to establish what happened after the Auditor-General's observations were raised.

Abdulmumin added, “Were the questioned payments properly authorised? Were procurement procedures followed? Were the contracted goods and services actually delivered? Were taxes properly deducted and remitted? Were recommended recoveries made? Were the five vehicles subsequently located and verified?

“What management responses were ultimately submitted to the Auditor-General and relevant oversight bodies? According to GIW, answers to those questions should be established through documentary evidence rather than media exchanges.

“The organisation said it rejected any suggestion that asking questions about an Auditor-General's report and requesting supporting documents under the FOI Act constituted blackmail.

“An audit observation is not automatically proof of corruption or misappropriation. Our responsibility is to identify accountability questions, request explanations, examine the evidence and report the position fairly.”

He also noted that NiDCOM had supplied a Nigeria Police Force interim investigation report concerning a reported burglary and theft in July 2024.

According to the organisation, the report documented the theft of computers, a hard drive, a flash drive and files containing procurement and other official documents.

GIW argued that the disappearance of physical records should not automatically end questions about public expenditure.

Abdulmumin said it would approach relevant federal institutions to determine whether electronic backups, duplicate records, registry entries, financial-system records or copies earlier submitted to other government institutions could be recovered.

He said it was formally seeking NiDCOM's 2023, 2024 and 2025 Annual Reports and Financial Statements, alongside relevant audit reports, management responses and supporting financial and procurement records.

He said the records were necessary to conduct an independent forensic review and determine which issues had been resolved, which transactions reconciled and which accountability questions remained outstanding.

He said he would examine a February 1, 2024 document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs supplied by NiDCOM concerning an earlier petition.

He said the document indicated that the ministry had examined the earlier petition and concluded that the allegations could not be substantiated.

The organisation said it acknowledged the document and would consider it in its assessment, while maintaining that an earlier administrative review did not prevent an independent examination of separate Auditor-General observations.

He called on the NiDCOM leadership, headed by Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to provide Nigerians with the highest possible level of lawful transparency on the outstanding accountability questions.

He said where a public institution could no longer demonstrate adequate transparency and accountability to the public it serves, the appropriate appointing and oversight authorities should consider whether new leadership was required to restore public confidence and strengthen institutional controls.

The organisation stressed that its position was not based on personal hostility, saying that, “It is based on the principle that public office is a public trust and must be exercised in the interest of the Nigerian people.”

He also expressed support for the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that macroeconomic reforms must be matched by stronger accountability within individual public institutions.

He said the President could not personally monitor every transaction and administrative decision across the country's numerous public institutions.

The organisation therefore argued that independent civil-society scrutiny could help bring credible documentary concerns to the attention of government and the public.

“GIW's objective is to support good governance by identifying potential weaknesses, requesting evidence and encouraging corrective action—not to undermine legitimate government reforms,” it said.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has endorsed the governorship aspiration of the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate in Delta State, Engr. Isaac O. Eshor, ahead of the 2027 election.

The council also said that Eshor’s more than 15 years of experience as a maritime engineer, marine operations consultant, shipping and logistics executive, entrepreneur and philanthropist positioned him to bring practical economic experience into governance.

NYCN President, Comrade Babangida Onimisi Isah, announced the endorsement while speaking at an event in support of Eshor’s candidacy, describing him as a candidate whose professional experience, business background and youth empowerment initiatives aligned with the aspirations of young people in the state.

Isah said the endorsement was based on Eshor’s record of competence, experience and commitment to skills development, employment creation and entrepreneurship rather than political rhetoric.

Isah said: “We need a Governor who understands how systems work, how businesses are built, how investments are attracted, how enterprises are managed, how people are employed and how economic opportunities can be created. Delta youths do not need promises alone. They need proof of intention.”

The NYCN president also highlighted Eshor’s activities through The Focus Foundation, including skills-acquisition programmes, job-creation initiatives, educational support, welfare interventions for the elderly and medical assistance.

He said the initiatives demonstrated that youth empowerment was not merely a campaign slogan for the candidate.

He urged young people in the state to assess candidates based on competence, character, experience and capacity, rather than ethnic, political or sectional considerations.

Isah also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s youth-focused economic and skills-development initiatives, saying similar policies should be replicated at the state level.

He described Eshor as “a Delta son with global exposure,” noting that the candidate’s professional experience in maritime and oil and gas sectors could be deployed to develop the state’s economy.

He consequently declared: “The National Youth Council of Nigeria supports the emergence of Engr. Isaac O. Eshor as the next Governor of Delta State in 2027.”

Responding, Eshor, who identified himself as the AAC governorship candidate, called on youths across Delta State to actively participate in the 2027 political process.

He said his administration, if elected, would prioritise maritime development, technical training, employment, education, electricity generation and social welfare.

He said: “We are all youths, and by the grace of God, I want to encourage every young person to go back to their locality and see how we can take over this state.”

Eshor said he had employed about 200 sailors, engineers and captains across Nigeria and other parts of the world through his businesses, adding that his experience in the maritime industry informed his plan to establish a technical maritime training centre in Delta State.

He said the proposed centre would provide practical training to young people, irrespective of their educational backgrounds.

According to him, his administration would seek to transform Delta into a “marine hub” capable of attracting international investment, training and business activities.

Eshor also criticised the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over what he described as inadequate utilisation of the state’s resources.

He added, “I want to encourage every one of us not to look down on the maritime sector. Try as much as possible to look into it. Send your children to maritime schools.

“By the grace of God, when we take over, we are going to introduce a technical maritime training centre in Delta State. Whether you have gone to school or not, you can come and learn practical skills. I started learning practical skills at the age of 13.”

He claimed that Delta had received about ₦4.199 trillion in federal allocations over the period under review, but argued that the level of development and economic opportunities available to residents did not reflect the resources accruing to the state.

Eshor specifically questioned expenditure on five flyovers, which he said amounted to about ₦177 billion, arguing that greater emphasis should be placed on job creation and economic development.

He challenged Governor Oborevwori to a public debate on the blue economy, claiming that he had introduced the concept in Delta State before the current administration adopted it.

On his proposed economic agenda, Eshor said he would pursue local power generation by harnessing the state’s gas resources, while training young people to develop and maintain power infrastructure.

He also promised improved remuneration for teachers, including a proposed monthly ₦100,000 allowance, free primary and secondary education, and monthly stipends and free healthcare for citizens aged 65 and above.

The AAC candidate said he would work with the Delta State House of Assembly to give legislative backing to his proposed programmes, arguing that institutionalising the policies would prevent future administrations from abandoning them.

The Forum for Democratic Patriots (FDP), on Friday, called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to shelve their presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 general election and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group said the ongoing permutations among opposition leaders over who should step down for a joint presidential ticket showed that none of the major opposition figures had sufficient nationwide acceptability, political network and electoral strength to defeat Tinubu in 2027.

In a statement by the Convener of the FDP, Hon. Sani Ibrahim, said recent exchanges among opposition figures, including Kwankwaso’s call for Atiku to step aside and reports of a possible Atiku-Obi ticket, demonstrated the lack of consensus within the opposition camp.

The group also commended the Tinubu administration for what it described as bold economic reforms, particularly the unification of the foreign exchange market and tax restructuring, which it said were aimed at stabilising the economy and improving revenue generation.

Ibrahim said: “We note Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso's call on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to step aside in favour of a joint opposition ticket, as well as circulating reports that some people suggest Mr Peter Obi should serve as running mate to Atiku.

“The FDP is aware that Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso wants Atiku Abubakar to quit the race. Whispered permutations suggest Peter Obi should instead settle for the number-two spot on an Atiku ticket. Everyone, it seems, agrees that someone should step aside but they just can't agree on who.

“The FDP, after careful observation, concluded that the opposition's exchanges over who should quit the 2027 race are the clearest proof that none of them has the capacity, pedigree, acceptability and nationwide network to win the presidential election come 2027.

“Former VP Atiku possesses an undeniable political pedigree as he contested in 1993, 2007, 2019 and 2023, and having served as Vice-President, his contributions to governance and the political space are well noted.

“However, as 2027 approaches, Nigeria demands forward-looking stability, not another campaign cycle. And Atiku will be 80 by 2027. The presidency is a rigorous, demanding assignment, not a retirement stool.”

He urged Atiku to “step back and embrace his rightful place as a revered elder statesman” by providing non-partisan counsel rather than pursuing another presidential bid.

The group also rejected reported permutations for Obi to serve as Atiku’s running mate, describing the proposal as a political arrangement unlikely to deliver victory.

Ibrahim added: “Nigeria needs a settled, decisive and reformist administration to consolidate on the Renewed Hope successes. We therefore urge Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso to stand down in the national interest.

“President Bola Tinubu has laid the foundation for long-term economic recovery through bold, necessary reforms.

“These include the unification of the foreign exchange market and comprehensive tax restructuring, both aimed at stabilising the economy and improving revenue generation.

“On the energy front, the administration has undertaken strategic reforms, including the expansion of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, to reduce the cost of governance and offer Nigerians a more sustainable alternative fuel source.

“The government has also prioritised critical social investments, such as the national student loan programme and broad-based social safety nets, which continue to benefit citizens across the nation.

“While these reforms have demanded short-term sacrifice, they are already yielding results and remain essential to sustainable national prosperity. Nigeria needs focus and continuity to harvest the fruits of these policy shifts, not political distraction.

“Consequently, the FDP calls on Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi to consider national interest over personal ambition. They should sheathe their swords and support President Tinubu's mandate.”

The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has rejected claims by Dr Umar Ardo that Northern Nigeria has been marginalised under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the region will support the President’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election.

DWI also dismissed Ardo’s prediction that Tinubu could secure less than 10 per cent of the northern vote in 2027, describing the projection as unsubstantiated and politically motivated.

In a statement issued by the Deputy National Chairman of DWI, Hon. Musa Adam, was reacting to an interview granted by Ardo on Frontline, a radio programme in Ogun State, which was subsequently reported by ThisDay.

DWI called on northern voters and Nigerians generally to reject what it described as the politics of division, blackmail and unsubstantiated statistics ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adam said DWI considered Ardo’s assertions an attempt to create unnecessary alarm and exploit regional sentiments for political purposes.

Adam said: “We dismiss that interview in its entirety as the bitter lamentation of a serial political failure, a man whose only remaining relevance is unnecessary alarmism and self-serving propaganda.

“Dr. Umar Ardo is in no moral or political position to speak for the North. He is a failed politician who has been rejected repeatedly by the very people he now claims to represent. In his own Adamawa State, for example, his governorship ambition collapsed woefully in 2023.

“He was roundly defeated at the polls. A man who could not win his own state, who could not deliver his own ward and LGA, has no right to tell northerners how and who to vote. Dr Ardo’s political career is a case study in opportunism and serial defection. In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he contested the governorship primaries multiple times and failed.”

He also criticised Ardo’s political history, accusing him of repeatedly changing political parties in search of relevance.

According to him, Ardo contested governorship primaries under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), later joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), returned to the PDP and subsequently moved to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

He further dismissed the League of Northern Democrats (LND), associated with Ardo, describing it as lacking the electoral influence to determine the political choices of northern voters.

Adam also rejected Ardo’s allegation that the Tinubu administration had “Yorubanised” federal appointments and favoured the South-West.

He said: “The North remains fully represented at the highest levels: the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu,; ministers of strategic ministries are from the North; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. Critical parastatals and security institutions have northerners in key positions.

“Federal character is being observed, and the North is not excluded. His allegation that releases of funds to ministries were tied to regions is unsubstantiated and deliberately misleading. Budget releases follow due process, project readiness and statutory allocations and not primordial identities. If Ardo has verifiable figures, let him publish them. But he has none. What he has is a bitterness that has consumed him since his electoral defeats.

“The North is witnessing federal projects, agricultural interventions, security operations, road and rail infrastructure, and social investment programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda. These are not southern projects; they are Nigerian projects, and the North is a major beneficiary.

“His attempt to drag Kwara and Kogi into North-South is another diversion. The North Central is part of the North, and northerners are not so gullible as to be divided by a man who has never won an election. Ardo’s prediction that Tinubu will get less than 10 per cent of northern votes is a hallucination born of frustration.

“In 2023, President Tinubu won several northern states. In 2027, northerners will consolidate their support for him because they have seen a President who is resetting Nigeria’s economy for the better. The removal of the fuel subsidy, the unification of exchange rates, tax reforms, student loans, the Compressed Natural Gas initiative, and massive infrastructure investment are painful but necessary reforms that will benefit the North and the entire country.

“Northerners are not sheep. They cannot be herded by a man who has been rejected at the polls. They will not take instructions from a serial defector who has spent his career switching parties and losing elections. Dr. Ardo should face his own political irrelevance and stop insulting the intelligence of northern voters.

“The DWI calls on all well-meaning northerners and Nigerians to reject the politics of division, blackmail and false statistics being peddled by Dr. Umar Ardo. The North is ready to support President Tinubu to consolidate on his Renewed Hope reforms that are resetting Nigeria’s economy for the better. Ardo’s 10 per cent fantasy will remain what it is: a fantasy.”

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), has rejected the allegation by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) that the Agency is exceeding its statutory mandate through its involvement in the proposed National Learner Identification Number (LIN) initiative.

NANS, in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, had rejected the proposed LIN, describing it as unnecessary and potentially duplicative of the National Identification Number (NIN).

The students’ body also questioned NOA’s involvement in the initiative and alleged that the Agency was championing an identification system outside its mandate.

Clarifying the Agency’s position, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the Agency is neither the originator nor the implementing authority for the LIN initiative.

He explained that NOA’s involvement is strictly within its statutory responsibility of communicating government policies, programmes and activities to citizens, while facilitating meaningful engagement between government and the people.

According to him, NOA’s communication mandate covers policies and programmes across government and is not restricted to initiatives formulated or implemented by the Agency alone.

“As the primary government agency responsible for public orientation, NOA works across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure that citizens receive accurate, timely and understandable information about government policies, programmes and activities,” he said.

Issa-Onilu stressed the distinction between policy formulation, implementation and communication, noting that the authorities responsible for the LIN initiative remain in charge of its formulation and implementation.

He said NOA’s responsibility is to explain the policy to Nigerians in clear and accessible terms and provide platforms through which citizens can express their views, concerns and reactions.

He noted that such two-way communication is central to the Agency’s renewed approach to public engagement, particularly through its “Pulse of the Nation” reports, which captures citizens’ opinions and reactions and feeds them back into government.

The Director-General acknowledged NANS as an important stakeholder that should have a voice on policies that affect them, however, urged the student body to channel their opinion to the appropriate government institution with regard to the LIN initiative.

He, however, emphasised that communicating a government policy does not amount to formulating, imposing or implementing the policy.

He said: “NOA’s role is to ensure that citizens understand what government is doing, why it is doing it and how they can engage with it. This is fundamentally different from being the institution that formulates or implements the policy.”

Issa-Onilu therefore urged NANS and other stakeholders to distinguish between the responsibilities of the institution driving a government policy and those of the Agency mandated to communicate such policies to the public.

He added that NOA remains open to constructive engagement with NANS, students and other stakeholders on the proposed LIN, including questions concerning its relationship with the NIN.

According to him, such engagement is a core part of NOA’s mandate as a bridge between government and citizens and should not be misconstrued as an overreach of the Agency’s statutory responsibilities.

In the statement issued by the Deputy Director, Communication and Media, Mr. Paul Odenyi, the Director-General reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to be transparent, inclusive and two-way with Nigerians.

He stressed that citizens’ concerns and perspectives remained essential to effective public policy communication and democratic governance.

The Centre for Visionary Leadership and Human Capital Development, has unveiled plans to tackle Nigeria’s employability and skills gap by equipping young people and professionals with practical skills for the changing labour market.

The Centre, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission under registration number CRN 9800186, was formally launched by its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Sir Patrick Ezechukwu, PhD.

Ezechukwu disclosed this in Abuja during Pres briefing, he said the Centre was established to develop human capital, improve employability and entrepreneurship, and prepare a new generation of Nigerians for meaningful participation in the economy.

He called on government agencies, development partners, private-sector organisations and other stakeholders to collaborate with the institution in expanding skills development and employment opportunities.

Ezechukwu said: “The Centre aims to raise a new generation of visionary leaders and build the human capital needed for sustainable growth, ethical governance and global impact. Its mission is ‘empowering Leaders, Developing People, Transforming Nations.

“The Centre will focus on education and training, youth empowerment, employability and entrepreneurship, ethical leadership and governance, community development, and social impact and sustainability.

“Core services include leadership development, capacity building, human capital consulting, and research and policy advocacy. Successful trainees will receive recognised certificates valued by employers and institutions in Nigeria and beyond.”

The founding Directorate comprises Faisal Sanusi Ibrahim, Director General; Lt. Col. G.A. Banire (Rtd), Director of Operations; Capt. Dr. Luqman Gigado (Rtd), Director of Research and Training; Zubaidah Khalid, Director of Communications and Information; Ahmed A. Ahmed, Secretary; and Barr. Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ezechukwu, Legal Adviser.

He said the Centre would seek to bridge the gap between education and the demands of the workplace by developing people with relevant skills, leadership capacity and entrepreneurial competence.

Ezechukwu added, “The Centre open for operations and invited the media, development partners, government agencies, the private sector and the public to collaborate in developing leaders and transforming lives.”

The South West Mandate Group for Asiwaju (SWMG), on Tuesday, urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reconsider the appointment of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the North-East Zonal Coordinator of the party’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

SWMG acknowledged that Sheriff has denied allegations linked to aspects of his political history and stressed that allegations should not be presented as established facts in the absence of a conviction.

In a statement by its Chairman, Adebayo Johnson, the group said its position was based on strategic, reputational and political-communication considerations rather than any determination of criminal guilt against Sheriff.

SWMG noted that senior campaign officials inevitably become part of the public face of a presidential candidate and that their histories, reputations and public standing can consequently affect the campaign they represent.

Johnson said its position is not a determination of criminal guilt against Senator Sheriff, who has denied the allegations made against him over the years.

He said: “Our concern is whether the appointment is strategically capable of strengthening the President’s campaign at a time when the APC should be concentrating on its message, achievements and engagement with voters.

“In electoral politics, the absence of a criminal conviction does not automatically eliminate reputational or political risk. A campaign must consider not only what can be established in a court of law, but also whether the public profile of its senior officials will help or hinder its ability to communicate effectively with voters.

“SWMG believes that the verdict of the court of public opinion deserves serious consideration by the APC leadership.”

According to SWMG, the public debate surrounding Sheriff has over the years included references to the Galtimari Committee, political developments in Borno State during the period associated with the emergence of Boko Haram, allegations concerning the insurgency and reports of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Johnson stresses that allegations must not be presented as established findings and that Senator Sheriff's denials must equally be acknowledged.

He argues that the continuing public controversy itself constitutes a legitimate campaign-management consideration.

The group said the issue was particularly sensitive in the North-East, which had suffered significant human and economic consequences from the insurgency, including deaths, displacement and destruction of livelihoods.

He added, “SWMG believes that campaign appointments in the region require particular sensitivity to public confidence and political perception. The 2027 presidential campaign will require the APC to communicate effectively on issues including security, economic opportunity, employment, infrastructure, education, food security and the administration's record.

“The campaign officials should reinforce those messages rather than create circumstances in which the campaign is repeatedly drawn into controversies concerning individual members of its leadership structure.

“Political capital is too valuable to be spent unnecessarily defending campaign appointments when the campaign should be communicating its record and vision to Nigerians.”

Johnson said this is particularly important because opposition parties and political actors will inevitably scrutinise every senior figure associated with the campaign.

He urges the APC leadership to back down on Senator Sheriff’s continued role in the 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

The group believes such appointments represent a strategic and reputational catastrophe that has the potential effect on public confidence; implications for grassroots mobilisation; distract the APC’s campaign message; and cast reputations of President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope campaign in bad light.

SWMG further recommends that the APC adopt a consistent vetting framework for senior campaign appointments, taking into account political experience, public standing, communication capacity, grassroots reach and reputational exposure.

The group said its intervention is specifically aimed at protecting the legacy of President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and its interest in ensuring that the campaign architecture is capable of effectively communicating its success to Nigerians.

“The credibility of a presidential campaign is inseparable from the credibility of the people entrusted to represent it. Every appointment should therefore be judged by the value it adds to the campaign and the risks it introduces,” he said

Johnson urged the APC leadership to appoint other political gladiators from the region with both integrity and greater capacity to promote its 2027 campaign structure.

The Board of Trustees (BOT) and National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has condemned what they described as the unauthorised use of the party’s name, logo and symbols by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The also warned Atiku to desist from parading himself as or speaking for the party’s presidential candidate.

In a statement by its National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, the ADC said it was alarmed by what it described as actions designed to ridicule Nigeria, undermine its international standing and portray the country as lawless.

The party’s leadership, which convened an emergency joint session on Monday, August 31, 2026, said it would not tolerate what it described as criminal impersonation, forgery and exploitation of the ADC’s identity to project falsehoods or embarrass Nigeria before the international community.

He said: “The ADC unequivocally condemns and orders an immediate stop to the criminal impersonation, forgery, and unauthorized exploitation of the party’s name, logo, and symbols. The use of our identity to project falsehoods and to embarrass Nigeria before the international community will not be tolerated.

“The party is alarmed that these reckless actions are deliberately designed to ridicule Nigeria, erode her standing among the committee of nations, and present our country as lawless. Such conduct is a betrayal of national pride and sovereignty.

“While we recognize every citizen’s right to legal recourse, the ADC insists that grievances against the democratically elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, must be ventilated within the ambit of Nigerian laws and institutions.

“Dragging the office of the President to foreign courts is an act of desperation, cowardice, and treachery. The BOT/NWC describes the institution of legal proceedings against a sitting Nigerian President in a foreign jurisdiction by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as unpatriotic, shameful, and a direct affront to Nigeria’s national security and interest.

“It is an attempt to internationalize local politics for selfish gain. We hereby serve Alhaji Atiku Abubakar notice to desist forthwith from parading himself as, or speaking for, the ADC presidential candidate.

“Any further attempt to drag the party’s name into his personal political vendetta or into actions that bring Nigeria into international ridicule will be met with legal and political consequences. The leadership of the ADC is fully aware of the sustained pressure, manipulation, and backchannel negotiations by certain elements within the so-called G100 Coalition and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to railroad the ADC into a forced merger or alliance.

“The African Democratic Congress is NOT, and will NOT be, in any alliance, merger, or coalition with any political party ahead of the 2027 elections.”

The ADC said it would contest the elections independently, relying on its ideology, structures and the mandate of Nigerians.

He urged the members, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the general public to take note of its resolutions and be guided accordingly.

He added, “As patriotic Nigerians, we will not sit idly and watch opportunists hijack our platform to peddle lies, incite chaos, and destabilize our democracy to satisfy personal ambition. The ADC will not be a ladder for political anarchists.

“The BOT/NWC hereby charges all members of the ADC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, all security agencies, and the general public to take note of these resolutions and be guided strictly.

“The African Democratic Congress remains committed to building a united, disciplined, and people-centered party that will provide credible leadership for Nigeria in 2027.”

The Northern Youths Frontiers (NYF), has rejected the appointment of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the North-East Zonal Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, describing the decision as a potential political and reputational vulnerability.

The NYF, which says it has been mobilising youth support for the Tinubu/Kashim 2027 project across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, maintains that the composition of the campaign council must reflect the confidence, expectations and sensitivities of the electorate whose support the campaign seeks.

In a statement by its North-West Zonal Coordinator, Saminu Tukur, the organisation acknowledged that Sheriff had denied allegations and controversies associated with aspects of his political career.

Tukur stressed that while allegations should not be treated as convictions and questions of criminal responsibility remain matters for competent legal institutions, campaign appointments have political and reputational consequences.

He said: “The presidential campaign is not a courtroom. Campaign appointments carry political and reputational consequences. Individuals occupying prominent positions become part of the public face of the campaign and are expected to command confidence, communicate the candidate’s message effectively and assist in building broad-based support.

“The central question, therefore, is whether Senator Sheriff’s appointment adds sufficient strategic value to the Tinubu/Kashim campaign to justify the controversy surrounding it.

“NYF’s assessment is that the APC should not assume that political experience alone is sufficient justification for retaining an appointment that has generated significant public concern. The North-East, and indeed the wider Northern region, has endured enormous human, social and economic consequences from the insurgency.

“Communities have lost loved ones, homes, farms, businesses, schools and years of economic opportunity. For millions of young Northerners, the consequences of the crisis are not distant political history; they remain part of the social and economic reality of their generation.

“NYF believes political mobilisation in the North requires particular sensitivity to public perception and historical experience.”

He notes that public discussions concerning Senator Sheriff have repeatedly referenced the Galtimari Committee, political developments in Borno State during the period preceding the escalation of the insurgency, allegations made by individuals concerning the insurgency, and reported investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He stresses that these issues must be reported responsibly and distinguished between documented findings, allegations, denials and matters that have not been judicially established.

He added, “But the existence of continuing controversy is itself a legitimate political consideration when determining who should occupy a highly visible campaign position. The APC is preparing for a presidential election in which campaign credibility, message discipline and grassroots mobilisation will be critical.

“The party will need to communicate its record on security, employment, infrastructure, education, economic opportunity and the welfare of young Nigerians. NYF believes campaign officials should help advance that message, not become the subject of recurring controversy capable of diverting attention from the candidate and the issues the campaign seeks to present to voters.

“In the organisation’s assessment, the controversy surrounding Senator Sheriff’s appointment represents an avoidable campaign vulnerability. There is no shortage of experienced political actors across the North who can undertake campaign responsibilities while commanding public confidence and minimising unnecessary reputational distractions.”

He calls on the APC leadership to drop Senator Ali Modu Sheriff from the 2027 Presidential Campaign Council and reconsider the assignment of the North-East zonal coordination responsibility.

The group believes that such a step would allow the party to refocus attention on its campaign message and strengthen confidence among grassroots supporters.

He urges the APC to apply a rigorous standard of credibility, public confidence, political experience and reputational assessment to all senior campaign appointments.

“The organisation is particularly concerned that the voices of Northern youths, who constitute a significant part of the electorate and grassroots mobilisation structure, should not be treated as peripheral to decisions affecting the campaign.

“NYF is unequivocal that the APC must carefully weigh the political value of every individual against the potential cost to the wider campaign.

“The group has invested in grassroots mobilisation for the Tinubu/Kashim 2027 project because of its stated commitment to the President’s political project. That commitment, however, does not prevent the organisation from drawing attention to decisions it considers capable of weakening the campaign.

“The APC should choose campaign assets that expand its coalition, strengthen its message and inspire confidence among voters. The party’s objective should be to present a campaign defined by its candidate, its record and its vision for Nigeria, not by avoidable controversies surrounding individual campaign officials,” he said.

He urges the APC leadership to treat the concerns surrounding Senator Sheriff’s appointment with the seriousness they deserve and take whatever corrective decision is necessary to protect the credibility and effectiveness of the 2027 campaign.

The Kano Women Vanguard for Good Governance (KWVGG), has endorsed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a second term, citing what it described as the administration’s transformative investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare.

The group said the scale of projects executed or initiated since 2023 reflected a broad development agenda, with interventions spanning Kano metropolis and the state’s 44 local government areas.

According to data reviewed by the organisation, the administration has executed or initiated 1,493 projects, comprising 799 completed and 694 ongoing projects.

In a statement by its Chairperson, Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar, KWVGG said the figures demonstrate the breadth of the administration’s Kano First Agenda, while urging the government to maintain transparency, accountability and quality in the implementation of ongoing projects.

The organisation highlighted the Dan Agundi Interchange, Tal’udu Cloverleaf Flyover, Katsina Road expansion and the revival of 5km road projects across the 44 local government areas as major infrastructure interventions.

Abubakar said: “Development is not measured by the number of projects announced alone, but by the quality of projects completed and the difference they make in the lives of citizens.

“We therefore encourage the government to sustain the momentum while strengthening transparency and accountability in implementation.”

The massive road projects, according to the document reviewed by KWVGG, is valued at multi-billion naira, including 5km dual-carriageway projects across the 38 local government areas.

The group said the rural road projects could improve connectivity between farming communities and urban markets, while the metropolitan projects are aimed at addressing traffic congestion and improving urban mobility.

The government has also embarked on major housing interventions, including the Rijiyar Gwangwan housing scheme, among many other interventions across the nooks and crannies of the state.

KWVGG also praised the administration’s intervention in the education sector.
The state government declared a state of emergency on education and embarked on the distribution of desks, uniforms, textbooks and other learning materials.
The document also records the sponsorship of 1,001 students to universities abroad, alongside investment in classroom construction and rehabilitation.

The organisation said investment in education was particularly important because the quality of human capital ultimately determines the long-term development prospects of Kano State.

The group praised the reported rehabilitation and upgrading of 311 hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state.

It also highlighted the reconstruction of General Hospitals, Asiya Bayero Pediatric Hospital, Nuhu Bamalli Hospital, Emergency Section of Murtala Mohammed Hospital and the approval of multi-billion naira for the expansion of Primary Healthcare Board facilities.

The government has also partnered with UNICEF and eHealth Africa to solarise 28 rural primary healthcare centres, according to the supplied information, with the intervention intended to support vaccine cold-chain storage and maternal healthcare services.

KWVGG said the rehabilitation of major water infrastructure was another important component of the administration’s programme. The Challawa and Tamburawa water treatment plants are undergoing rehabilitation, with the combined facilities expected to restore output of more than 200 million litres per day.

The government is also rehabilitating the 15.6-kilometre Goron Dutse transmission line, while interventions have been carried out across nine of the state’s 19 regional water schemes.

The organisation said reliable water supply is particularly important to women and households, given the role women frequently play in securing water for domestic needs.

As a women-focused organisation, KWVGG welcomed the reported disbursement of ₦50,000 each to about 7,000 women drawn from the 44 local government areas.

According to the available information, the grant is intended to support beneficiaries and strengthen petty trading and household livelihoods.

The organisation urged the government to strengthen monitoring of such programmes to ensure that beneficiaries receive the intended support and that empowerment interventions produce sustainable economic benefits.

KWVGG said the number of ongoing projects makes sustained attention to implementation particularly important.
The group noted that the Kano State Government under Kano First Agenda of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf deserves a second term to consolidate and ensure that projects already commenced are completed to specification, while providing residents benefits from such dividends of democracy.

It said the value of the Kano First Agenda has already manifested in the quality, durability and public impact of the projects delivered to residents.

KWVGG said it would continue to monitor public projects and engage government institutions on issues affecting women, young people and vulnerable communities across Kano State.

The North-East Unity Forum for Asiwaju (NUFA), has gave President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ultimatum to remove former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, from the party’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

The group said the continued inclusion of Sheriff in the campaign structure could undermine the APC’s public image and create avoidable controversies capable of affecting President Tinubu’s electoral prospects in the region.

In a statement by its Convener, Hon. Yusuf Umar, NUFA said the North-East was not merely an electoral zone but a region that had endured severe security, humanitarian and economic challenges, requiring political leadership capable of commanding public confidence.

The forum said considerations of public perception, community confidence and the historical experiences of the people should guide decisions on political mobilisation in the region.

According to NUFA, although Sheriff has repeatedly denied allegations linking him to Boko Haram and has not been convicted by any competent court, the controversy surrounding his political history could negatively affect the President and the APC’s campaign.

The Forum argues that campaign appointments carry political consequences beyond the individual appointed, as such an appointment that generates substantial controversy, particularly undermines its broader objectives.

NUFA said the APC should focus its 2027 campaign on substantive issues affecting Nigerians, including security, economic opportunities, employment, infrastructure, education and food security, rather than allowing controversies surrounding individual campaign officials to overshadow its message.

The forum also referred to historical controversies surrounding Sheriff’s political leadership in Borno State, including references to the findings of the Galtimari Committee and questions subsequently raised concerning political developments in the state before the escalation of the Boko Haram insurgency.

It, however, cautioned that such historical references should not be interpreted as proof of criminal culpability, stressing that no competent court had established such culpability against the Sheriff.

NUFA maintained that its objection was primarily a matter of political judgment, campaign strategy and public confidence rather than a declaration of criminal guilt.

The group therefore called on Tinubu and the APC leadership to strip Sheriff of his role in the 2027 campaign structure, insisting that the North-East had several competent political figures capable of mobilising support for the President and the party.

He said: “The appointment of Senator Sheriff is unacceptable. It is a provocation. And unless this appointment is reversed, the North-East Unity Forum for Asiwaju will withdraw its support, suspend its mobilisation machinery, and formally review every commitment it has made to the re-election project of President Tinubu.

“We have heard the argument that Mr Sheriff has never been convicted. We accept that as a legal fact. But politics is not conducted in a courtroom, it is conducted in the hearts and memories of voters, and the hearts of the North-East still bleed from wounds that credible public records have tied, repeatedly and without retraction, to the very era Mr Sheriff dominated Borno State's politics.

“President Tinubu may believe he can win the North-East with Mr Sheriff on his campaign council. Let us be clear: he cannot. The people of the region are not waiting to be told how to feel about this situation as they already know better.

“The North-East Unity Forum for Asiwaju will not campaign, will not mobilise, and will not endorse any 2027 project that asks our people to stand behind Ali Modu Sheriff.”

The group called for political representation in the North-East that, according to it, would reflect the aspirations of the region for security, dignity, reconstruction and economic renewal. If you want, I can also produce six stronger newspaper-style headlines from this story.

The authentic and legitimate leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the leadership of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election in the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The party said the victory would further reinforce democratic values and deepen constitutional governance in the country.

In a statement by Gombe, National Chairman of the ADC, the party described Adeleke’s victory as well-deserved, saying the outcome reflected the sovereign will of the people of Osun State.

Gombe said: “The authentic and legitimate leadership of the African Democratic Congress [ADC], under the tutelage of Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, heartily congratulates His Excellency, Governor Nuruddeen Ademola Adeleke, on his well-deserved re-election as Governor of Osun State.

“We note that this victory reinforces democratic values, deepens constitutional governance and reflects the sovereign will of the good people of Osun State.

“We also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] for its diligence and commitment to delivering a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State. The transparent exercise in which the election was conducted is a clear testament to INEC’s independence and its role as an impartial electoral umpire.

“However, for the purpose of clarity and public record, the ADC wishes to state that the party’s poor performance in the just concluded election was a direct consequence of imposition of a candidate by members of the coalition group operating under the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee [NWC].

“The presentation of an unpopular candidate alienated the electorate and undermined the party’s prospects.

“We wish to reassure Nigerians that the ADC, under our leadership, is fully repositioned. We will mobilize effectively and present credible and formidable candidates in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.”

The party congratulated the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights and pledged to continue working towards strengthening democracy and constitutional governance in Nigeria.

“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless the African Democratic Congress,” he added.

The Àlàáfíà Initiative for Gender and Development (AIGD), a new non-profit organisation committed to promoting gender equality, human dignity and sustainable community development, has been officially launched in Nigeria.

The event brought together guests, supporters and stakeholders who witnessed the unveiling of an organisation established to provide practical, people-centred interventions in communities, particularly in the areas of gender equality, education, health, youth development and social inclusion.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Temilola George. said the establishment of the Initiative was inspired by the belief that development must ultimately be measured by the dignity and well-being of people.

The launch also coincided with the birthday of the organisation's Founder, Dr. Temilola George.

According to her, “Àlàáfíà” represents peace, wellness, wholeness and well-being, values which form the foundation of the organisation's mission.

She said: “True development is not measured only by roads, buildings or economic growth. Development is measured by the dignity of people. It is measured by whether a child can remain in school, whether a mother can provide for her family, whether a young person has hope for tomorrow, and whether every individual has the opportunity to live with purpose and dignity.”

Dr. George explained that the Initiative's vision is to build communities where gender equality, human dignity and sustainable development are not merely aspirations but everyday realities.

She explained that the prior to its official launch, AIGD had already commenced activities with its maiden community outreach, “Pad with Confidence,” held on July 25, 2026.

The outreach focused on menstrual health and hygiene and brought together girls, women and men for advocacy, education and open conversations aimed at addressing myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.

Participants were also encouraged to view men as important allies in promoting menstrual health and gender equality, while sanitary pads were distributed to beneficiaries.

George said the outreach demonstrated the practical approach the Initiative intends to adopt in addressing social challenges.

She added, “For some girls, receiving sanitary products meant confidence. For some parents, the health talk meant understanding. For the men, the discussions replaced misconceptions with empathy and respect.

“We did not simply distribute sanitary pads. We restored confidence and promoted dignity. That single outreach reaffirmed why this organisation exists.”

As part of its initial programme framework, AIGD announced two major annual projects; The Pad with Confidence Project, which will be held every May to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Month, will provide menstrual health education and support to more girls, women and communities, while deliberately involving boys and men in conversations around menstrual health.

The organisation's second flagship programme, the Back to School Project, will take place every September and will support children from vulnerable families with school supplies, learning materials and other forms of encouragement.

According to the Founder, the project is designed to help ensure that children do not lose access to education simply because of circumstances beyond their control.

Beyond the two flagship programmes, the Àlàáfíà Initiative plans to undertake visits to motherless babies' homes and other vulnerable communities, with a focus not only on material donations but also on providing care, encouragement and a sense of belonging.

The organisation will also conduct community advocacy programmes addressing issues including gender-based violence and harmful practices, girls' education, positive male engagement in gender equality, drug and substance abuse among young people, peacebuilding and social cohesion, environmental sanitation, civic responsibility, volunteerism and community service.

Other programmes being considered by the Initiative include skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes for women and youths, mentorship opportunities for young people, scholarships for disadvantaged students, community health outreaches and peace clubs in schools.

The proposed peace clubs will introduce children to values such as tolerance, dialogue and respect from an early age.

George acknowledged that the scale of the challenges facing communities means that AIGD cannot achieve its objectives alone.

She therefore called on professionals, businesses, development organisations, young people, volunteers and individuals to support the Initiative's work.

“No organisation changes the world alone. People do. Communities do. Partnerships do. As a teacher, help us inspire a child. As a healthcare professional, help us improve community health. As a businessperson, partner with us to empower families. As a development partner, let us create sustainable solutions together,” she said.

She also encouraged young people to volunteer their energy and creativity and urged individuals and organisations with resources to invest in initiatives that can improve lives.

The Founder admitted that the organisation does not have all the resources or answers required to achieve its long-term objectives, but said AIGD possesses what she described as equally important qualities — purpose, integrity, commitment and vision.

She said the organisation's work would be guided by an unwavering belief that every human life has value.

Looking into the future, Dr. George said she hoped the success of the Initiative would ultimately be measured through the lives and communities transformed by its interventions.

She expressed appreciation to individuals and supporters who believed in the vision and contributed to the organisation's journey leading to its official launch.

The launch concluded with a renewed call for partnerships and collective action to build communities where people can live with dignity, access opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society.

With its formal unveiling and the commencement of its programme activities, the Àlàáfíà Initiative for Gender and Development is positioning itself as a community-focused organisation committed to turning advocacy into action and addressing social challenges through practical and sustainable interventions.

In an interview with Media the National Coordinator of the Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative, GMI, Samaila Musa, expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid for the 2027 general election.






How have you supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly on economic reforms?



Looking at it critically President Tinubu’s Administration started on the right footing by focusing heavily on Macro fiscal reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, unifying foreign exchange rates and increasing non oil revenue,we have been trying to sensitise the general public and the Nigerian populace on the economic reforms being implemented by this administration. Yes, those policies are difficult. The President did not pretend from the outset that it was going to be an easy journey. When he came on board, he said sacrifices are inevitable going by the situation the country has found itself. We are convinced that is the way to go and bought into his vision bought into his vision.Yes the first two years were not easy which was expected anyway.

We are literally sailing above board now, and things are beginning to take shape. At the macroeconomic level, the country is now stable. It is at the microeconomic level that we are still trying to find our feet. That is part of the sensitisation we have been doing on a larger scale.

A lot of people, particularly at the grassroots, did not really understand the impact of these reforms. To the typical Nigerian, the narrative was simply that things were not working and life was becoming increasingly difficult.

These are the sacrifices we needed to make, and that is what we have been educating Nigerians about. It was a period of sacrifice, and that period is gradually coming to an end because things are beginning to take shape. We are beginning to see some of the dividends of the sacrifices we have made.

These are some of the things we have been doing. On a weekly basis, we are out there sensitising Nigerians and helping them understand what is happening. We know that the major policies that made things difficult were the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira. These are some of the major issues that have been on the front burner. They have their implications, but the long-term dividends are what we consider most important. That is our goal and focus, and that is what we have been trying to enlighten the citizenry about.



How is your group mobilising support for President Tinubu?


We have been mobilising support because you cannot mobilise support for an incumbent without being able to showcase some of the things he has done, the things he is doing and how he intends to achieve his objectives.

It is like a roadmap. You need to convince people that this is what the President is driving at. There are quite a lot of things on the ground to show that this administration has done a lot, especially in terms of infrastructure and road construction.

Literally every facet of the economy is being addressed, whether education or healthcare. In education, for instance, the student loan scheme is a major step in the right direction.

We can see people from disadvantaged backgrounds who ordinarily would not have been able to afford higher education now benefiting from it. That is part of the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Those are the things we are taking to the general public. We tell them that, yes, you might not have money in your pocket right now, but the era of simply throwing money around is over. It is time for us to face reality. In other countries that we pconstantly try to copy, the government and the people are more prudent and disciplined financially. That is where we are getting to. But of course the Mr. President was not insensitive to the plight of Nigerians so he introduced some social support measures to cushion the effect of the sacrifices for example MSME intervention funds, Student loan (NELFUND), a new minimum wage(70,000), targeted cash transfers to aimed at vulnerable households.

You cannot exhaust the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the reforms being implemented. We are convinced that the President got it right from the onset and started on the right foot.



Looking at the GMI initiative, what aspects of President Tinubu’s achievements have you focused on in educating the public?


As I said earlier, there are numerous achievements. Across the country, several roads have been constructed since the inception of this administration. These are projects that will bring development and have long-term impacts on the economy. Beyond infrastructure, the President has also made efforts to address insecurity.

The security situation was not better when he came on board. We must remember that insecurity in Nigeria has existed for more than 20 years, so it is not a problem that started yesterday. But this administration is making significant strides in that regard. We are beginning to see how proactive our military has been since Mr President came on board. We have also seen the rejigging of the security architecture of the country.

We know that what some people have used several years to destroy cannot necessarily be fixed in two years. The President never deceived anyone. He was very clear about the challenges from the onset. We are therefore working hand-in-hand with people at the grassroots to help them understand what the administration is doing because the narrative being sold by some people is quite different.

We run a radio programme in Hausa, which we use as a platform to reach the grassroots and help people understand these policies. Not everybody will simply conclude that the President is wicked because things are difficult. Some people would prefer the era when subsidy was still in place because things appeared cheaper.

But Nigeria could not continue indefinitely on that path. The country could face serious economic difficulties in the long run if necessary decisions are not taken. We are making these sacrifices for the future of our children, and that is the way to go. Understanding Fuel Subsidy and Naira Reforms.


What has been the feedback from your grassroots sensitisation efforts?


The feedback has been awesome because a lot of people did not really understand what fuel subsidy was. When you talk about fuel subsidy, many people ask: what exactly are you removing that is making life more difficult? They would rather the subsidy remained so that they could continue living their lives with cheaper fuel.

We have engaged with people at the grassroots and tried to educate them on what fuel subsidy is and why its removal became necessary at this time.

The same applies to the floating of the naira. That is another area that many Nigerians did not understand.

People did not understand why the naira needed to be floated or what the implications were for the economy.

Today, we have a relatively stable naira-to-dollar exchange rate, which has a significant impact on the economy. Our foreign reserves are also improving.

By the numbers, we believe the country is moving in the right direction. Gradually, we are sailing above board, and we believe that God will take us to the promised land.


Can you share your experience of how your group has helped improve public understanding and acceptance of government policies?


Like I said, our radio programmes are one of the major ways we have been reaching the public. The feedback we are getting is very encouraging, especially from the radio programmes. On a weekly basis, we are also in the national dailies talking about this government and its policies.

People call into our programmes and engage with us through our social media platforms, saying they never understood the issues the way we presented them.

What they had previously heard or understood was different, and we are trying to change that narrative. The perception is beginning to change on a daily basis, which is the way to go.

There was a vacuum in public orientation, which our organisation has been able to help bridge, alongside other organisations doing similar things. By and large, we have made a tremendous impact in trying to manage how people perceive some of these policies.

Some opposition elements may be putting forward what we consider to be a false narrative about what is going on. But none of them actually said there was something fundamentally wrong with fuel subsidy. None of them said there was something wrong with floating the naira. Many of them also wanted to undertake similar reforms.

So why can't we support whoever started the process? It takes courage for a President to announce the removal of subsidy from the first day of his inauguration and actually implement it.

The same applies to the naira reforms. A lot of people had come into office before and were afraid to take such decisions. So, yes, we are getting wonderful feedback from the populace about some of the things we are doing.


What is your assessment of President Tinubu’s fight against insecurity?


Like I said earlier, this is a battle that has been going on for about 20 years. The battle also goes beyond Nigeria. It is an international problem. Some of the most dangerous terrorist groups in the world have focused on Nigeria for various reasons.

The fact that high-ranking members of terrorist organisations have been arrested or killed on Nigerian soil demonstrates the gravity of the war being fought. Having said that, the President said from the onset that there would be no hiding place for terrorists.

Since the President came on board, we have seen, almost on a monthly basis, reports of high-profile terrorists being eliminated by Nigerian security operatives.

We must therefore give kudos to those at the helm of affairs, from the National Security Adviser to the Minister of Defence and the other security agencies. I believe gradually we are going to get there. What took about 20 years to infiltrate the country cannot necessarily be flushed out in three or four years. But government is a continuum. Gradually, we are going to get there. Tinubu’s Prospects in the 2027 Election.



Looking ahead to the 2027 general election, some Nigerians, particularly in the North, have raised concerns about the high cost of living and are said to be losing confidence in the President. Do you think this could affect his chances?



I think we should be very realistic. This is politics and this is already an election period because the election is approaching. The Southwest, for example, can be said to be automatically secured because that is the region where the President comes from.

But don't forget that in 2023, the Northwest gave the President significant support. Over time, in the history of Nigeria, no matter how good you are, before you finish your four years, some people must have fallen out with you.

Some people came into government with the expectation that they would be given appointments and did not get them. Some will say they are no longer with you because you did not give them what they wanted.

Everybody cannot get an appointment in any government. So some people will leave in protest because they were not appointed.

But it is visible to everyone that this administration is working. The areas where people have raised concerns are mainly the removal of fuel subsidy, which has multiplier effects, and the floating of the naira.

I believe that President Tinubu will still win significant support in the North, particularly the Northwest. That I can tell you. Atiku Abubakar is also from the Northeast, so I know that the region is going to be a battleground but the vice president is from that zone coupled with the fact that five of the six governors are all in the President’s party, so i see victory for the President from that zone in the long run or worst case scenario 50-50 because there are advantages associated with where political actors come from within the Nigerian political space. But by and large, I believe President Tinubu will win the 2027 general election.

Of course, you cannot expect to sweep every state. But when you look at the number of governors and political leaders who have moved from opposition parties, including the PDP and NNPP, into the APC, you can see the political strength of the ruling party.

As the administration came on board, it did not have this number of governors in the APC. Today, we have seen a significant number of governors and political leaders align with the APC. So, no matter how tough or difficult the opposition tries to make things, we are confident that many of these governors will deliver their states. That is why we are telling the President to remain confident. The North will still support him, although the margin may vary from one state to another.


Looking at grassroots support for the President ahead of 2027, particularly among young people, President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has been moving around the country mobilising youths. Are young Nigerians ready to work with him to support his father in 2027?



To even have a son like Seyi is a privilege. It is something every parent would pray to have. This is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria, where the son of a sitting President is actively involved in mobilising young people across the country.

Seyi has been involved from the time his father was contesting the presidential primary. He and his friends were involved in grassroots mobilisation, including putting up campaign posters at night. What we were used to in this country was a situation where political leaders moved their children overseas and used other people's children as political tools.

But Seyi has brought a new perspective to the game by showing that political leaders can also involve their own children in political activities. It sends the message that we are not here to sacrifice other people's children because of our political ambitions.

Seyi has demonstrated leadership skills and has been actively involved in youth political mobilisation. He has floated different organisations, and one that stands out, in my assessment, is the City Boy movement, which has spread across the country. We are also looking forward to opportunities to work with him to help achieve the political objective of securing victory for his father in 2027.


What plans does your organisation have to take the campaign to the rest of the country?


We are already on the ground. We have structures across all 36 states of the federation. What we are doing now is activating those structures. In some areas, there have been complaints that members have not been given clear direction on exactly what to do. So, in the next few days, we will begin town hall meetings, making use of our structures and collaborating with civil society organisations across the states.

The objective is to educate people, engage communities and establish working relationships with different NGOs so that we can bring them into the fold and work towards victory for Mr President in the 2027 election.



There have been concerns about the Tinubu administration weakening the opposition ahead of the campaign. What is your plan to ensure that your campaign remains peaceful?



As far as we are concerned, we see that as a form of manipulation on the part of the opposition. You cannot expect a politician to work for your own victory. Power is not simply given; you have to compete for it.

When President Tinubu contested in 2023, virtually everything appeared to be against him. But he did not wait or start complaining. He went for the power and won it. If you are serious about winning an election, you have to show determination.

The President has never hidden his intention to win re-election. He has made it clear that he will not simply sit down idly but rather go all out for his re-election. The opposition is also trying to move members into its fold, and the President is doing the same. That is politics.

If the opposition accuses the President of weakening the opposition, then they should also understand that political parties everywhere try to attract people to their side. I have not seen a situation where people were coerced into joining the APC.

In fact, it would have been more worrying if the President were not taking steps towards the 2027 election. If he were simply sleeping and relaxing without showing any signs that an election was approaching, then people would be worried ask whether the President intended to hold an election or he simply intend to hold on to power.

But the President started mobilising even before some opposition groups were able to put themselves together. He is already far ahead in trying to attract people to his side.

That is the way politics works. He has not done it through violence, and we are also going to emulate that approach by encouraging conversation and dialogue. If there are grievances, we should bring people to the table and talk them through. Our objective is to persuade more people to our side and ensure that the President is returned to office.


What is your message to Nigerian youths, particularly regarding their role in the country's political development?


Through his son and other initiatives, the President has supported greater youth participation in politics and public office. For perhaps the first time, we are seeing more young people occupying public offices and receiving political appointments, including people who do not necessarily have traditional political godfathers.

We have seen young people without strong political connections occupying important positions, which is not something that has been the norm in Nigeria. We have also heard commitments that the administration intends to increase youth representation in government.

That is the way to go. We need a combination of the younger and older generations. That is how leadership should work. As young people are coming up, they should receive guidance, tutoring and mentorship from the older generation before the baton is completely passed to them.

Young people should not simply be left on their own because they also need mentorship and guidance from the older generation to avoid making mistakes. That is what this administration is trying to demonstrate, and we believe that by 2027, youth participation will become even more pronounced.

The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS), under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek the divine blueprint of Olumba Olumba Obu to address Nigeria's worsening economic challenges.

The group argued that the country's deepening hardship cannot be resolved through political or economic policies alone, insisting that lasting national transformation requires spiritual guidance, humility and love.

The Directorate for Evangelism of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Archbishop David Irefin, disclosed this during an exclusive interview with The Guardian, he said Nigeria's worsening hardship reflects a failure by leaders and citizens to acknowledge God in governance, adding that lasting solutions require humility, love and spiritual direction.

Irefin maintained that no government can successfully tackle Nigeria's mounting political and socio-economic challenges without acknowledging God and embracing divine direction.

He argued that Nigerians have misunderstood true worship, saying many believe religious activities alone amount to serving God, whereas hatred, discrimination, violence and other social vices have continued to divide the nation.

According to him, "They are not aware that God exists only where love reigns. God is love. That is why our Lord Jesus Christ taught that anyone who does not love his or her neighbour cannot truly claim to love God.

"Today, Nigerians are divided along religious and political lines. They have forgotten that God created all people for His own pleasure. Muslims, Christians and followers of African traditional religion are all children of the same God. You cannot claim to worship God while hating those He created.

"The practice of religion without genuine love has left many Nigerians wanting before God and deserving of punishment. This is the major reason Nigeria is plagued by insecurity, confusion, poverty, suffering and other social challenges.

"His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu has revealed that God is love and that the true followers of God are identified by their character. They practise love, peace, humility, patience, self-control, mercy and forgiveness.

"Those who truly worship God are not identified by religious affiliation but by their conduct. They are not involved in violence, kidnapping, war, materialism, discrimination, ethnic hatred or any form of evil. They neither judge nor condemn others because judgment belongs to God alone."

The Archbishop further claimed that His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu has repeatedly declared that he possesses the blueprint capable of transforming Nigeria's economy and restoring national prosperity.

He stressed that the appeal was not directed at President Tinubu alone but at all Nigerians, urging both leaders and citizens to embrace repentance, forgiveness and national reconciliation.

Irefin added: "President Tinubu alone should not be blamed for the suffering and challenges confronting the country. Nigerians themselves have refused to seek the face of God. Instead, many are quick to seek solutions from prophets, sages, traditionalists, sheikhs, angels and even demonic forces.

"It is not difficult to observe that governments readily open their doors to Christian, Islamic and traditional religious leaders, but not to members of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, who believe they are witnessing the manifestation of the true and living God in their midst.

"That notwithstanding, God remains interested in the affairs of Nigeria, and only He can rescue the country from its present challenges.

"It is time for the President, ministers, governors and everyone who genuinely loves Nigeria to seek the face of His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, whom we believe possesses the blueprint for transforming Nigeria's economy. His Holiness does not need their money, wealth or recognition to be who he is.

"All Nigerians have sinned, regardless of status, ethnicity, class or religion. The time has come for everyone to repent, turn away from evil and wholeheartedly embrace the gospel of love as preached and practised by His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The Northern Nigeria Christian Youth Association (NNCYA), has called on Christian leaders across the country to exercise restraint in their public comments after private engagements with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging them to prioritise national unity, peace and constructive dialogue.

The NNCYA acknowledged the significant role of religious leaders in shaping national values but maintained that no single institution holds exclusive authority over the country's moral direction.

In a statement jointly signed by the association's National Secretary, Bason Sunday, and National Publicity Secretary, Pastor Ruth Wada, the group said recent reactions following the meeting between the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and President Tinubu had generated unnecessary public tension.

According to the statement, “We have watched the fallout following the meeting between the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. While we honor our fathers in faith, including His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, as true shepherds of God’s flock, we must cry out from the grassroots.

“As youths living daily with the real struggles of the 19 Northern States, we say this with deep reverence, when spiritual fathers step into the halls of power, the words that follow must build up the house of God and the nation, not set fire to the roof.

“Access to the President is a sacred trust meant for intercession and counsel, not fuel for television commentary. Our holy Scriptures warn us clearly about the weight of private counsel and the power of the tongue. Proverbs 25:9 admonishes us, ‘Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another.’

“When a father sits down with the leader of the land, receives his undivided attention, and hears direct responses to his concerns, kingdom grace demands that the sanctity of that meeting be kept intact. Running to media cameras immediately afterward to offer selective personal commentary does not build peace, it overheats the polity and creates confusion among the sheep.

“We must ask ourselves as believers: are we using our positions to solve problems or to stir up public anger? Disagreeing with policy is normal in a nation, but turning differences into accusations of presidential apathy only divides the body.
Here in the North, security is not a political talking point, it is our daily life.”

The youth body also cautioned against portraying the President as indifferent to the country's security and economic challenges, arguing that as Commander-in-Chief, President Tinubu receives intelligence and security briefings that may not be available to the public.

It cited Proverbs 18:13 to encourage Nigerians to avoid reaching conclusions without full knowledge of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and other national concerns.

They said that no single group holds a monopoly on the national conscience. God speaks through many channels, and the President also hears directly from the grassroots, community leaders, media, and security reports.

The association urged clerics across denominations to use their influence to strengthen national cohesion, quoting Romans 14:19 and 1 Timothy 2:1–2 to underscore the biblical mandate for Christians to pursue peace and pray for those in authority.

The NNCYA added, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. The Christian youth of Northern Nigeria stand firmly behind every genuine effort for national healing, security, and economic revival.”

They call on young believers to stay calm, remain prayerful, and reject any attempt to turn the pulpit into an arena for political division.

The association prayed for wisdom for Nigeria's leaders and appealed to all citizens to work collectively towards sustaining peace and unity across the country.